Date on Master's Thesis/Doctoral Dissertation
5-2010
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
M.A.
Department
Sociology
Committee Chair
Furr, LeRoy Allen, 1955-
Subject
Funeral rites and ceremonies--United States; Undertakers and undertaking--Social aspects
Abstract
Within a cultural context of postmodernism and individualization, funerals in America have taken on a new appearance amidst increased freedom of expression and diminished adherence to tradition. This thesis examines how the funeral industry has evolved along with these social and cultural changes. Articles randomly selected from a leading funeral industry trade journal, Mortuary Management , are explored utilizing a combined quantitative content and qualitative textual analysis approach. Examination of selected articles (1963-2009) reveals that the funeral industry has steadily attempted to maintain sociocultural relevance through adaptation to a postmodern ethos of informalization and mercuriality. Possible mitigating factors for identified industry changes are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Crabtree, Lisa Suzanne 1980-, "The changing discourse of death : a study of the evolution of the contemporary funeral industry." (2010). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 286.
https://doi.org/10.18297/etd/286
