Gerry R. Cox

The case for a sociology of dying, death, and bereavement

ABSTRACT Dying, death, and bereavement do not occur in a social vacuum. How individuals and groups experience these phenomena will be largely influenced by the social context in which they occur. To develop an adequate understanding of dying, death, and bereavement we therefore need to incorporate a sociological perspective into our analysis. This article examines why a sociological perspective is necessary and explores various ways in which sociology can be of practical value in both intellectual and professional contexts. A case study comparing psychological and sociological perspectives is offered by way of illustration.

Children, Spirituality, and Loss

Children face losses, and spirituality can be an important component in managing those bereavements. As each loss is unique, so are the ways of coping, even though children often imitate their parents ways of grieving. This article presents the view that loss can be an opportunity for growth, wholeness, and holiness. Guidelines to aid children in growing through their losses and in developing styles of healthy grieving are presented. The author claims that spiritual journeys are paths that each must develop and follow through his or her life, as each journey is special and different. One cannot make the journey for children. At best, one can be a spiritual guide.

Attitudes toward Dying and Death: A Study Building on Durkheim's Suicide Typology

Robert Fulton, prime mover the Sociology of Dying and Death movement since the 1950s to the present, has had a seminal impact on the development of the field, as a discipline, and upon those who have conducted research and educated others. For me, Professor Fulton has been an inspiration and a source of scholarly knowledge from my very first beginnings of study within the field of dying and death. He has been a mentor, friend, scholarly director, and object of esteem to me. He has been a hero as a scholar and giant within the field. It is a great privilege to write an essay in his honor.

Surviving Terrorism, International and Personal

The author, a sociologist, presents a hypothesis in this article that there are parallels between the violence that is inflicted by a tyrant within a family and the violence that terrorists inflict on the larger community. After comparing and contrasting the two types of violence, the author mentions some existing support groups (such as Parents of Murdered Children) and states a need for special support to be offered to all survivors of violence.

Using Humor, Art, and Music with Dying and Bereaved Children:

This article discusses using humor, art, and music with dying and bereaved children. All forms of artistic expression may be used to provide social support for children, to foster positive attitudes, and to allow for expression of emotions and grief. Children often lack verbal skills. Artistic expression allows the expression of thoughts and feelings in a safe environment. Many forms of artistic expression are available. Humor, art, and music are used as examples of what might be used to aid children.

Reviews Reviews Editor: Richard B. Gilbert, PhD

As we move into this new year, we want to thank the many of you who keep me posted about the “good stuff” that deserve to be shared with others. A number of you have been reviewers, and we always need more. There is no shortage of books and the top publishers internationally recognize the value as one of the best ways for them to reach their “customers.” We hope to expand our already rich resources on loss as we continue to expand our awareness of, and response to the many challenges and opportunities that come to this ever-shrinking planet. We hope to expand our attention to the needs of children and teens, those who walk alone, and for older adults. If you come across a book or resource we should look at, please send them to me at 1484 N. Academy Street, Galesburg, IL 61401. (309) 351–7447. This issue is dedicated to the many who share in the work we all do, and the many who have died, with special remembrance of Darcie Sims and Marv Johnson.

Ministering to Native Americans

Native American religion is often sought for study and “borrowing.” The respect that is generally accorded to the study of religions other than ones own is typically lacking with Native American religions. When visiting a Buddhist temple, one removes ones shoes. When attending a Muslim prayer service, one might use a prayer rug. If one attends a Jewish service, a male would don a yarmulke and remove his jacket and tie. The non-Jewish visitor would not wear the tallit or prayer shawl out of respect for Jewish traditions. Native Americans generally prefer that strangers not attend spiritual services unless invited, yet people come to watch, take pictures, record, or videotape services without permission. One does not take the Muslim prayer rug home after using it, yet many will take sand paintings, dream-catchers, pipes, or other sacred items from Native American services. The lack of respect for Native American religions is not natural or inevitable. What caused the U.S. culture to disrespect Native American religions and to subject them to unequal treatment?