Margaret Holloway

The Debate as a Pedagogic Tool in Social Policy for Social Work Students

Social work education under the Diploma in Social Work has been shaped by a competency led training model. The danger in this approach is that the critical thinking required of the reflective practitioner becomes lost. This paper argues that the teaching of social policy requires a complex interplay of knowledge, skills and values if students are to be equipped to participate effectively in the policy process. The authors, as teachers of social policy to social work students, have developed the use of the debate as a tool for learning and assessment. This approach is evaluated using structured student feedback and is discussed in the context of experiential and reflective learning and the application of social policy as ‘policy practice’. Over three cohorts, students reported increased knowledge and understanding and improved confidence in argumentation skills. Observation showed them utilising a range of policy practice skills. Recent evidence from the USA and Australia begins to confirm the value of this learning tool.

Older Chinese people's views on food: implications for supportive cancer care

Objectives. As people face cancer and the end of life, the social, cultural and therapeutic role of food takes on an increasing significance. As part of a larger study involving older Chinese people resident in the UK, we investigated their beliefs about the influence of food on cancer and its role in supportive cancer care. Design. A two-phase qualitative research study involved older Chinese people identified via Chinese community groups. In phase one, 46 older Chinese people participated in seven focus group discussions. In phase two, semi-structured interviews were conducted in Cantonese or Mandarin with 46 different older Chinese people to elicit their understandings of the role of food in health and illness generally and specifically for those with cancer. Results. The analyses revealed four main themes: (1) food as ‘therapeutic’; (2) food as ‘risky’; (3) food as supportive and comforting; and (4) beliefs about the lack of culturally appropriate and acceptable food in hospitals. Expectations about the lack of Chinese food and the poor quality and perceived unsuitability of ‘western’ food were regarded as major concerns in relation to hospital admission. Discussion. Understanding the perceived cultural and therapeutic significance of food and its functions in social exchange is one important aspect of promoting supportive and end-of-life cancer care for minority communities. These views helped explain the diversity and salience of food use in illness for older Chinese people resident in the UK.

“Funerals aren’t nice but it couldn’t have been nicer”. The makings of a good funeral

Abstract There is growing comment in both academic and popular writing about the shape and content of funerals today, with general agreement that we are seeing marked changes with a growing trend towards secularisation and personalisation. Despite this, there is as yet relatively little systematic research on the topic. This article reports on a study funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council UK into spirituality in contemporary funerals. This qualitative study centred around case studies of 46 funerals in the north of England and gathered data from observations of funeral arrangement meetings as well as the funeral and semi-structured interviews with bereaved families and funeral professionals. The way both sets of participants engaged with the funeral and its constituent elements in an active process of meaning-seeking, meaning-creating and meaning-taking was closely aligned with contemporary understandings of humanistic spirituality. There was, however, little evidence of adherence to formal religious belief systems or wider philosophical frameworks amongst the bereaved families but considerable evidence of drawing on religious tradition and specific beliefs to locate personal meaning-making. The authors conclude that the funeral remains a significant ceremonial event which is psycho-social-spiritual in character and purpose.

Negotiating sensitivities and grappling with intangibles: experiences from a study of spirituality and funerals

This article discusses the methodological issues encountered in an AHRC funded study conducted between October 2008 and March 2010. The project used qualitative methods to explore the ways in which mourners sought, ascribed and expressed meaning through the funeral and analysed these processes in relation to evidence of religion and a broader spirituality. The research involved case studies of 46 funerals, and 29 interviews with professionals involved in the funeral industry. Each case study comprised: observation of pre-funeral meetings between families and funeral directors and celebrants; observation of the funeral; and a post-funeral focused interview with the bereaved person(s). The article considers ethical and practical factors in conducting research around a sensitive event where participants may be vulnerable. It describes the analysis process of data obtained concerning religious and other beliefs and comments on the value and difficulties of a multidisciplinary approach.

Dying old in the 21st century A neglected issue for social work

English Dying in old age has become the majority dying of the developed world, yet older people are routinely denied palliative care, their dying characterized by failure to facilitate choice and recognize their needs. Social workers in all settings should embrace their contribution to quality end-of-life care for older people. French Mourir à un âge avancé est devenu la ‘forme majoritaire de la mort’ dans le monde développé, bien que l’on dénie couramment aux personnes âgées l’accès aux soins palliatifs, leur décès étant socialement caractérisé par l’incapacité à faciliter leurs choix et à reconnaître leurs besoins. Les travailleurs sociaux dans tous les dispositifs devraient apporter leur contribution à la qualité des soins de fin de vie pour les personnes âgées. Spanish Morirse de viejo se ha convertido en la forma mayoritaria de morir en el mundo desarrollado, sin embargo, a los ancianos se les niega sistemáticamente el cuidado paliativo. Sus muertes se caracterizan por el fallo de no ofrecer a los ancianos opciones y reconocer sus necesidades. Los trabajadores sociales de todas partes deben contribuir a la calidad del cuidado al final de la vida de los ancianos.

A qualitative study of recently bereaved people's beliefs about death: implications for bereavement care

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To investigate the beliefs of recently bereaved people about death and to explore the implications of these beliefs for bereavement care. BACKGROUND Little is known about recently bereaved peoples beliefs about death, although there is evidence that these beliefs may have an impact on health. The funeral provides an opportunity for bereaved people to reflect on their beliefs about death. DESIGN A qualitative approach. METHODS This paper describes one aspect of an interdisciplinary study of the spirituality of contemporary funerals. We obtained access to 46 funerals through funeral directors and other contacts, and interviewed principal mourners to explore their beliefs. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. RESULTS Three themes emerged that reflected the beliefs and experiences of bereaved people. The first theme describes peoples understanding of death in terms of five positions: religious, dualist, eco-spiritualist, materialist and death-as-transition. The second theme addresses a range of views about the possibility of life after death: resurrection, reuniting and reincarnation. The third theme describes ways in which people felt that their relationship with the deceased person continues after death: continuity as sense of presence and continuity as memory, legacy and love. Some people were reluctant to express a firm view about death. CONCLUSIONS People express a spectrum of beliefs about death. Their beliefs are infrequently linked to formal religious or spiritual perspectives but seem to have an important role in coping with bereavement. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE This is a unique study illustrating the complexity of bereaved peoples beliefs about death. The study provides a research-based framework within which to understand contemporary beliefs about death, and contributes to our understanding of how health professionals can support recently bereaved people.

A sound track of your life: music in contemporary UK funerals.

This article considers the role that music plays in contemporary UK funerals and the meaning that the funeral music has for bereaved families. It is based on findings from a recently completed study of 46 funerals funded by the UK Arts and Humanities Research Council. Music contributes to the public ceremony and the personal existential quest of the bereaved. It is important to both the content and process of the contemporary funeral, an event of deep cultural significance in our response as individuals and communities to death and the loss of a significant relationship. There is evidence that for many people, the music chosen and used also evokes and conveys their spirituality. Spirituality may not be intrinsic to the music but spiritual experience may result from the meaning that the music has for that particular person.

Spirituality at the Sharp End

Abstract Much of the burgeoning field of contemporary spirituality studies positions spirituality within a model of positive mental health and well-being. This paper argues that we are in danger of by-passing the everyday conditions of the most disadvantaged, vulnerable and oppressed in our society if we fail to offer a spiritual response to their experiences. Developing this theme, it examines three social and spiritual challenges: dementia, the abuse of vulnerable persons, and the plurality of contemporary religion and belief. It then suggests three action points for contemporary spirituality studies to address these and other challenges: that we must further develop the evidence base and tackle new frontiers; engage with social and public policy; and embrace the model of the Wounded Healer. This article was first delivered as a keynote speech at the Third International Conference of the British Association for the Study of Spirituality, Spirituality in a Challenging World, and takes up the theme of challenge in the world of social work and social care. It draws on the author’s own body of work as well as making reference to other authors in social work and social care to develop its arguments.

Conference Report: Can Spirituality Transform Our World?

The Fourth International Conference of the British Association for the Study of Spirituality, Can Spirituality TransformOurWorld? New frontiers in understanding and exploring contemporary spiritualities, was held at the Chancellor’s Conference Centre, Manchester, UK; 23–26 May 2016. Following three very successful conferences in 2010, 2012 and 2014 which explored the relationship of spirituality studies to aspects of contemporary society – ‘change’, ‘fragmentation’ and ‘challenge’ – the 2016 BASS conference took a new turn. Receiving the baton from the final keynote lecture at Cumberland Lodge in 2010 – in which Emerita Professor Ursula King challenged us to consider spirituality’s transformative potential – the 2016 conference programme aimed to facilitate interdisciplinary exchange in addressing four critical questions:

Symbols and Symbolism in the Funeral Today

Abstract Funerals today are noted for their emphasis on the celebration of the life of the deceased and for personalizing touches reflecting the wishes and choices of the family. These elements typically evoke memories of the deceased person or represent aspects of their life and personality. Celebrants also use images and motifs, such as light, to convey abstract ideas which may not be accessible directly to mourners and to assist in confronting the pain and challenge of death. Both religious and humanist celebrants draw on the language and images of their faith or philosophy as well as incorporating elements requested by the family to construct the funeral service. This article draws on the findings of a qualitative study, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, looking at spirituality in contemporary funerals, to argue that, taken together, these representations constitute a rich array of symbols and use of symbolism. The article concludes that these contemporary symbols and symbolic behaviours fulfil the same purposes and function in the same way as traditional religious symbolism and are core to a new spirituality around death which is emerging in the twenty-first century.