CH-4-6 Coureurs de Bois: Cross-Cultural and Interfaith Dimensions – Death, Dying and Bereavement in a Changing World : Exam Guide

This Document Contains Chapters 4 to 6 Chapter 4: Coureurs de Bois: Cross-Cultural and
Interfaith Dimensions Test Questions Part I. Multiple Choice Questions Select the response that best answers the following questions. 1) Our understandings of death and dying vary according to historical and __________ contexts. A) conceptual B) cultural C) life span D) gendered Answer: B 2) Language, beliefs, values, norms, and customs are all parts of __________. A) culture B) bereavement C) ethnocentrism D) life expectancy Answer: A 3) __________ involves the assessment of other cultures as inferior based on our own invisible biases. A) Chautauqua B) Assimilation C) Acculturation D) Ethnocentrism Answer: D 4) Beliefs related to death are examples of __________. A) ethnocentrism B) material culture C) nonmaterial culture D) modernization Answer: C 5) A temple to honor the dead is an example of __________. A) material culture B) nonmaterial culture C) cultural relativism D) ethnocentrism Answer: A 6) Ethnocentrism is more closely related to the __________ approach than the __________ approach. A) emic, etic B) etic, emic C) ethnic, racial D) customs, culture Answer: B 7) In the U.S. equal opportunity is an example of __________ culture, not __________ culture. A) emic, etic B) epic, ethnocentric C) real, ideal D) ideal, real Answer: D 8) When one travels to another country they are participating in __________. A) culture contact B) ethnocentrism C) real culture D) ideal culture Answer: A 9) Encountering a McDonalds in India is an example of __________. A) nonmaterial culture B) relativism C) cultural diffusion D) ideal culture Answer: C 10) Cultural diffusion is one consequence of __________. A) culture contact B) globalization C) real culture D) cultural universal Answer: B 11) One example of a cultural universal is __________. A) religion B) realism C) meritocracy D) psychological theory Answer: A 12) A functionalist perspective is concerned with explaining __________. A) who benefits from religion B) how religion is meaningful C) the role religion plays in society D) why people turn to religion Answer: C 13) What theorist referred to religion as the “opiate of the masses”? A) Marx B) Durkheim C) Weber D) Mead Answer: A 14) The __________ perspective aims to understand religious symbols and practices. A) functionalist B) postmodern C) conflict D) symbolic interaction Answer: D 15) A theory about the universe is also referred to as __________. A) astrology B) cosmology C) symbolic interaction D) functionalism Answer: B 16) What theoretical perspective explains religion as a way of maintaining the status quo of an unequal society? A) functionalism B) symbolic interaction C) conflict D) postmodernism Answer: C 17) The __________ family of religions includes Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. A) Abrahamic B) Essentialist C) Spiritual D) Hinduism Answer: A 18) Nirvana is an element of what religious tradition? A) Judaism B) Islam C) Hinduism D) Buddhism Answer: C 19) What concept is common among Buddhism and Hinduism? A) samsara B) moska C) nirvana D) liberation Answer: D 20) The holy season in Islamic culture is called __________. A) Ramadan B) Christmas C) Hanukah D) Passover Answer: A 21) Los dias de muertos is a __________ folk tradition honoring the dead. A) Buddhist B) Brazilian C) Mexican D) Islamic Answer: C 22) What theorist’s definition of religion includes the tenant that religion brings people together and is expressed in a community context? A) Weber B) Durkheim C) Marx D) Goffman Answer: B 23) What theoretical perspective claims ‘grand narratives’ that promote the exclusive claim on the truth are problematic? A) conflict B) functionalism C) symbolic interaction D) postmodern Answer: D 24) In the __________ tradition continuity is what happens in life after death. A) Buddhist B) Islamic C) Judaic D) Hindu Answer: A 25) In the Hindu tradition reincarnation is also known as __________. A) anatman B) moska C) nirvana D) samsara Answer: D Part II. Essay Questions Answer the following questions in your own words. 1) Compare and contrast how the functionalist, symbolic interaction, and conflict perspectives seek to understand religion in society. Answer: • Functionalist Perspective: Views religion as a positive force that promotes social cohesion and stability through shared values and beliefs. • Symbolic Interactionist Perspective: Focuses on how individuals interpret and create meaning through religious symbols and interactions. • Conflict Perspective: Sees religion as a tool used by dominant groups to maintain power and control, often leading to social inequality and conflict. 2) Explain the differences between how Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam make sense of matters of life and death. What beliefs and practices are similar in the three traditions? Answer: Hinduism: • Life and Death: Hindus believe in the concept of reincarnation, where the soul is reborn into a new body after death, influenced by karma (the consequences of one's actions). The ultimate goal is to achieve moksha, liberation from the cycle of rebirth, and reunification with the divine. • Beliefs and Practices: Hindus practice various rituals related to life and death, such as birth ceremonies (like the naming ceremony) and death rites (like cremation). They also believe in the importance of dharma (moral duties) and following one's specific life stage (ashramas) to achieve spiritual growth. Buddhism: • Life and Death: Buddhists believe in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) but aim to break free from this cycle by attaining Nirvana, a state of liberation from suffering and desire. They see death as a natural part of life and emphasize the impermanence of all things. • Beliefs and Practices: Buddhists often practice meditation to cultivate mindfulness and awareness, which helps them understand the nature of existence and overcome attachment to the material world. They also engage in funeral rites and ceremonies that vary across different Buddhist traditions. Islam: • Life and Death: Muslims believe in the afterlife, where individuals are judged based on their faith and deeds. Those who follow Islam and do good deeds go to paradise (Jannah), while others may face punishment in hell (Jahannam). Death is seen as a transition to the eternal life to come. • Beliefs and Practices: Muslims believe in the importance of performing the Five Pillars of Islam, which include the declaration of faith, prayer, charity, fasting during Ramadan, and pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj). They also have specific funeral rites and practices, including washing and shrouding the body and burial in accordance with Islamic law. Similarities: • Belief in the Afterlife: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam all believe in some form of afterlife, whether it is reincarnation (Hinduism and Buddhism) or the concept of heaven and hell (Islam). • Importance of Moral Conduct: All three traditions emphasize the importance of leading a moral and ethical life, as one's actions in this life can affect their fate in the afterlife. • Rituals and Practices: Each tradition has specific rituals and practices related to life and death, such as ceremonies for birth, marriage, and death, as well as rituals to honor ancestors and seek blessings for the deceased. 3) Define and explain the concept of Chautauqua and why it helps us understand death and dying in a cross-cultural perspective. Answer: Chautauqua: Chautauqua was a popular adult education movement in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It began as a series of summer lectures and programs held at the Chautauqua Institution in New York, focusing on a wide range of topics including religion, politics, literature, and the arts. Chautauqua events often featured speakers, performers, and educators who traveled to different communities to share knowledge and stimulate intellectual engagement. Understanding Death and Dying in a Cross-Cultural Perspective: Chautauqua helps us understand death and dying in a cross-cultural perspective by promoting dialogue and exchange of ideas among people from different backgrounds. Through its educational programs and lectures, Chautauqua encouraged participants to explore diverse perspectives on life, death, and spirituality, fostering a greater appreciation for cultural diversity and a deeper understanding of the human experience. By engaging with Chautauqua's teachings, individuals were exposed to various cultural beliefs and practices surrounding death and dying, allowing them to compare and contrast different approaches to these universal experiences. This exposure helped to break down stereotypes and prejudices, promoting empathy and respect for cultural differences. Overall, Chautauqua provided a platform for cross-cultural dialogue and learning, contributing to a more inclusive and compassionate understanding of death and dying that transcends cultural boundaries. 4) Outline and explain the significance of the four stages of life in the Hindu human lifecycle. Answer: The four stages of life in Hinduism are: 1. Brahmacharya (Student Stage): Focuses on education and learning moral values. 2. Grihastha (Householder Stage): Involves marriage, raising a family, and contributing to society. 3. Vanaprastha (Forest Dweller Stage): Marks a gradual withdrawal from worldly responsibilities to focus on spirituality. 4. Sannyasa (Renunciant Stage): Involves complete renunciation of worldly attachments for spiritual liberation (moksha). 5) Choose two different religious traditions discussed in the chapter and write an essay that explains how material and nonmaterial culture are present in those two different religious traditions. Provide specific examples of each type of culture for each tradition to illustrate your understanding of the concepts and religious traditions. Answer: Material and Nonmaterial Culture in Hinduism and Christianity Hinduism and Christianity are two religious traditions that exhibit both material and nonmaterial culture in unique ways. Material culture refers to tangible items and physical manifestations of culture, while nonmaterial culture encompasses beliefs, values, and norms. Both traditions incorporate these elements in their practices, rituals, and expressions of faith. Hinduism: • Material Culture: Hinduism includes a rich array of material culture, such as temples, statues, and sacred objects. For example, temples like the Brihadeeswarar Temple in India are architectural marvels, adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures that depict Hindu deities and stories from religious texts. These temples serve as focal points for religious practice and community gatherings. • Nonmaterial Culture: The nonmaterial aspects of Hinduism are deeply ingrained in its beliefs and practices. Concepts such as dharma (righteousness), karma (action and its consequences), and moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth) form the core of Hindu philosophical thought. Rituals like puja (worship) and festivals like Diwali are expressions of these beliefs, emphasizing the importance of devotion, gratitude, and spiritual growth. Christianity: • Material Culture: Christianity also has a rich material culture, with churches, cathedrals, and religious art playing a significant role. For example, the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is an iconic example of Christian architecture, adorned with stained glass windows, sculptures, and paintings that depict biblical scenes and saints. These physical spaces and artworks serve as places of worship and reflection for Christians. • Nonmaterial Culture: Christianity's nonmaterial culture is centered around its core beliefs in the Trinity (God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), salvation through Jesus Christ, and the teachings of the Bible. Practices like prayer, baptism, and the Eucharist (Holy Communion) are integral to Christian worship and spiritual life, emphasizing concepts of forgiveness, redemption, and community. In both Hinduism and Christianity, material and nonmaterial culture are intertwined, each influencing and reinforcing the other. The material aspects, such as temples and art, serve as tangible expressions of the nonmaterial beliefs and values, providing a physical space for worship and reflection. Together, these elements form a rich tapestry of cultural expression and spiritual practice in both traditions. Chapter 5: The Grim Reaper through Time: A Historical and
Cross-Cultural Look at Undertaking Test Questions Part I. Multiple Choice Questions Select the response that best answers the following questions. 1) __________ death refers to the biological process the body goes through once a person stops breathing and their heart stops beating. A) Medical B) Clinical C) Brain D) Moral Answer: B 2) Contemporary undertakers are referred to as __________. A) funeral directors B) shamans C) martyrs D) chaffers Answer: A 3) Ancient __________ believed that the body, soul, and spirit were mystically interconnected. A) Catholics B) Greeks C) Romans D) Egyptians Answer: D 4) The practice of embalming became popular during the __________. A) American Civil War B) Revolutionary War C) World War I D) Spanish American War Answer: A 5) The National Funeral Directors Association was established in __________. A) 1790 B) 1880 C) 1925 D) 1950 Answer: B 6) What death ritual is most common in North America and Australia? A) embalming B) mummification C) cremation D) baptism Answer: A 7) Which of the following is a tool embalmers use? A) syringe B) saber C) trocar D) x-ray Answer: C 8) Bodies are often __________ for viewings or funerals. A) cremated B) buried C) casketed D) reconstructed Answer: C 9) To address the increased cost of funerals in the U.S. the country passed the federal __________. A) Cremation Law B) Funeral Price Cap Law C) Death Disclosure Rule D) Funeral Rule Answer: D 10) Some cemeteries require the use of __________. A) caskets B) grave liners C) urns D) funerals Answer: B 11) Above ground buildings for caskets are called __________. A) urns B) headstones C) crematories D) mausoleums Answer: D 12) Which of the following is required by law in the U.S. before a body is cremated? A) determining a cause of death B) embalming of the body C) a death certificate D) a casket Answer: A 13) About equal percentages of cremains are delivered to a cemetery and __________. A) not picked up B) taken home C) scattered by staff D) buried by staff Answer: B 14) The results of cremation are formally called __________. A) cremains B) ashes C) corps D) remains Answer: A 15) Evan’s grandmother recently passed away; his family has decided to hold a commemorative service in her honor at a church where her body will not be present. What is this commemorative service formally called? A) cremation service B) committal service C) funeral service D) memorial service Answer: D 16) Which two commemorative services are most often held together? A) funeral, memorial B) committal, crematory C) funeral, committal D) memorial, committal Answer: C 17) A __________ is a vigil held before a funeral. A) bardo B) committal C) memorial D) wake Answer: D 18) A talk about a person who has recently passed at a remembrance service is called a __________. A) eulogy B) vigil C) wake D) funeral Answer: A 19) A full funeral mass is typically preferred in the __________ tradition. A) Judaic B) Catholic C) Islam D) Buddhist Answer: B 20) Buddhists and Hindus both believe in __________. A) funerals B) viewings C) cremation D) reincarnation Answer: D 21) Generally it is more expensive to __________ than __________ a body. A) embalm, cremate B) cremate, bury C) memorialize, embalm D) urn, casket Answer: A 22) Typically a(n) __________ burial is more expensive than a(n) _________ burial. A) urn, casket B) casket, urn C) memorial, funeral D) vigil, memorial Answer: B 23) A cremation chamber is formally called a(n) __________. A) urn B) cask C) retort D) eulogy Answer: C 24) Cremation is the most common form of bodily disposal in __________. A) Japan B) The United States C) Kenya D) Italy Answer: A 25) The most sophisticated death systems that have ever existed were practiced by the __________. A) Croatians B) Egyptians C) Romans D) Greeks Answer: B Part II. Essay Questions Answer the following questions in your own words. 1) Discuss the nuances of the physical, social, psychological, and spiritual aspects of death experienced by survivors. What processes and details occur in each aspect? Answer: Survivors of death experience multifaceted impacts: Physical Aspects • Grief Response: Fatigue, insomnia, appetite changes, somatic complaints. • Caregiving Aftermath: Physical exhaustion, health issues. • Stress-Related Conditions: Hypertension, weakened immunity. Social Aspects • Support Networks: Emotional comfort, practical help. • Role Changes: New responsibilities, altered social roles. • Social Isolation: Withdrawal, societal stigma. Psychological Aspects • Emotional Grief: Sadness, anger, guilt, anxiety. • Cognitive Changes: Concentration, decision-making difficulties. • Mental Health: Risk of depression, anxiety disorders. Spiritual Aspects • Meaning-Making: Reevaluating beliefs, finding new meanings. • Rituals and Practices: Comfort from religious/spiritual rituals. • Existential Questions: Exploration of life, death, and the afterlife. Processes • Physical: Self-care, medical attention, healthy lifestyle. • Social: Support groups, maintaining connections. • Psychological: Therapy, mindfulness, coping strategies. • Spiritual: Spiritual counseling, community involvement, personal practices. Understanding these aspects helps survivors navigate their grief and find holistic support. 2) Compare and contrast the ways bodies are disposed of and commemorated in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Answer: Judaism Disposal: • Burial: Prompt, in plain wooden coffins or directly in the earth. • Shrouding: Body washed and wrapped in white shroud. • Cremation: Generally discouraged. Commemoration: • Shiva: Seven-day mourning period. • Yahrzeit: Annual remembrance with candle lighting and Kaddish prayer. • Memorials: Tombstone placed after a year. Christianity Disposal: • Burial: Common practice. • Cremation: Increasingly accepted, ashes often interred. • Embalming: Common, especially for open-casket services. Commemoration: • Funeral Services: Prayers, eulogies, hymns, scripture readings. • Memorial Services: Held at various times post-death. • Gravesite Visits: Regular visits and decoration of graves. Islam Disposal: • Burial: Prompt, ideally within 24 hours. • Shrouding: Body washed and wrapped in white shroud. • Positioning: Body laid on the right side facing Mecca. Commemoration: • Janazah: Funeral prayer before burial. • Mourning Period: Three days, with a longer period for widows. • Gravesite Visits: Regular visits to remember the deceased. Comparison • Burial: Preferred in all three religions. • Cremation: Accepted in Christianity, discouraged or forbidden in Judaism and Islam. • Preparation: Washing and shrouding in Judaism and Islam; embalming in Christianity. • Timing: Prompt burial in Judaism and Islam; extended in Christianity. • Mourning: Structured periods in Judaism and Islam; varied practices in Christianity. 3) Explain how the caste system is related to Hindu traditions of commemorating death. Answer: The caste system in Hinduism significantly influences death commemoration practices: Ritual Roles • Brahmins: Perform death rituals and ceremonies. • Other Castes: Follow rituals conducted by Brahmin priests. Funeral Practices • Cremation: Preferred, with the pyre typically lit by a close male relative. • Burial: Occasionally practiced for certain individuals, influenced by caste. Ritual Purity • Impurity Period (Sutak): Varies by caste; higher castes observe stricter and longer periods. • Purification: Different rituals to restore purity, influenced by caste norms. Ancestral Rites (Shraddha) • Shraddha Ceremonies: Annual rites for ancestors; complexity varies by caste. Mourning Practices • Mourning Customs: Vary by caste in attire, dietary restrictions, and mourning periods. • Community Involvement: Higher castes may have larger, more public ceremonies; lower castes may have more subdued observances. In summary, the caste system shapes the roles, rituals, and customs of death commemoration in Hinduism, reflecting social hierarchy and religious beliefs. 4) Compare and contrast the differences between funeral, memorial, and committal services. Answer: Funeral Services Definition: Ceremony held shortly after death with the body present. Key Features: • Timing: Soon after death (within a week). • Body Present: In a casket. • Rituals: Prayers, eulogies, sometimes a viewing. • Purpose: To say goodbye and offer support. • Setting: Funeral home, place of worship, or home. Memorial Services Definition: Ceremony honoring the deceased without the body present. Key Features: • Timing: Any time after death. • No Body Present: Focuses on memories. • Rituals: Eulogies, readings, music. • Purpose: To celebrate the deceased’s life. • Setting: Flexible (home, park, community center, etc.). Committal Services Definition: Brief ceremony at the gravesite or place of final disposition. Key Features: • Timing: Follows the funeral. • Body or Ashes Present: For final disposition. • Rituals: Prayers, symbolic acts (e.g., lowering casket). • Purpose: To lay the deceased to rest. • Setting: Gravesite, columbarium, or scattering location. Comparison Presence of Body: • Funeral: Yes. • Memorial: No. • Committal: Yes (body or ashes). Timing: • Funeral: Shortly after death. • Memorial: Flexible. • Committal: After funeral. Purpose: • Funeral: Goodbye and support. • Memorial: Celebrate life. • Committal: Final disposition. 5) Discuss the various financial implications of burial and cremation. How might these options and their costs impact a family’s choices when dealing with the death of a loved one? Answer: Financial Implications of Burial and Cremation Burial Costs • Cemetery Plot: Expensive, especially in urban areas. • Casket: Significant cost, ranging from basic to elaborate. • Grave Marker: Additional cost for memorializing. • Funeral Service: Facility rental, officiant fees, flowers, transportation. • Body Preparation: Embalming and preparation costs. • Grave Opening/Closing: Fees for digging and filling the grave. • Maintenance Fees: Ongoing cemetery upkeep. Total Cost: $7,000 to $12,000+. Cremation Costs • Cremation Process: Generally less expensive. • Urn: Costs vary. • Memorial Service: Optional and often less costly. • Ash Disposition: Varies by method (keeping, scattering, interring). Total Cost: $2,000 to $5,000. Impact on Family Choices 1. Budget Constraints: Cremation is chosen for lower costs. 2. Insurance/Savings: Availability can influence decisions. 3. Cultural/Religious Beliefs: Strongly guide choices despite costs. 4. Deceased’s Wishes: Often prioritized by families. 5. Emotional Considerations: Burial for tradition and closure; cremation for simplicity. 6. Environmental Impact: Green burials and eco-friendly cremations considered. 7. Long-Term Costs: Burial includes ongoing maintenance; cremation offers flexibility. Summary Families choose between burial and cremation based on costs, personal and cultural beliefs, emotional needs, and environmental considerations. Chapter 6: The Grim Reaper Today: Emerging Trends in
Contemporary “Deathcare” Test Questions Part I. Multiple Choice Questions Select the response that best answers the following questions. 1) The complex system society uses to deal with death is called a __________. A) thanatology framework B) death system C) cosmology D) cultural ideology Answer: B 2) Death systems have __________ components. A) three B) five C) six D) nine Answer: B 3) Anniversaries, memorial holidays, and religious commemorations are examples of what component of death systems? A) times B) symbols C) people D) objects Answer: A 4) Two _________ of death systems are to provide care for the dying and dispose of the dead. A) emics B) components C) theories D) functions Answer: D 5) What important regulation pertaining to the death industry was passed in 1994? A) Funeral Rule B) National Funeral Directors Law C) Amended Funeral Rule D) Cremation Laws Answer: C 6) The popular show Six Feet Under made __________ a “prime time” part of our culture? A) death B) marriage C) child abuse D) patriotism Answer: A 7) After his brother’s death, Jerry found comfort in attending a weekly bereavement group at his church. What function of the death system best describes the role of a bereavement group? A) dispose of the dead B) warn and predict C) prevent death D) social consolidation Answer: D 8) What is the main function of hospice? A) to help finance funeral and/or cremation costs B) to care for the dying C) to comfort families of the dying D) to counsel grieving doctors Answer: B 9) Early journalistic investigations of the funeral home industry revealed __________. A) how the Funeral Rule was debated in Congress B) practices used by some funeral directors to increase profits C) how people plan their own memorial services before death D) the preservation of family-owned funeral businesses Answer: B 10) Under the Funeral Rule funeral homes are entitled to __________. A) unionization B) price disclosures C) embalming licenses D) basic services fees Answer: D 11) When corporate funeral groups buy out small, privately owned funeral homes they generally __________. A) keep the business’ name B) do so at a financial loss C) pay high legal fees D) rebuild the home Answer: A 12) __________ is a practice commonly used by funeral home conglomerates. A) Selective embalming B) Grassroots advertising C) Clustering D) Price gouging Answer: C 13) The tenants of the Funeral Rule apply to __________ but not __________. A) corporate funeral homes, family owned funeral homes B) cemeteries, funeral homes C) family owned funeral homes, corporate funeral homes D) funeral homes, cemeteries Answer: D 14) What is the name of the largest funeral directors association? A) National Cremation Association B) National Funeral Directors Association C) Federal Funeral Association D) International Funeral Service Association Answer: B 15) According to Tonnies, the relationships in an Amish community are characterized by __________. A) gemeinschaft B) gesellschaft C) urbanization D) industrialization Answer: A 16) According to Tonnies, in a community characterized by gesellschaft, human relationships are generally __________. A) traditional B) strong C) weak D) close Answer: C 17) The __________movement was started by people in search of alternatives to expensive funeral and burial costs. A) funeral consumer’s rights B) undertaker’s rights C) death benefit rights D) FTC cost cap Answer: A 18) After his wife’s death, Brendan decided to take care of funeral arrangements and his wife’s burial himself. This practice is called a __________. A) postmodern funeral B) gemeinschaft funeral C) McFuneral D) home funeral Answer: D 19) When companies market themselves as environmentally friendly without making real changes in their business it is called __________. A) greenwashing B) envirowashing C) green selling D) conservationism Answer: A 20) __________ can challenge communities characterized by gemeinschaft. A) Funeral Rules B) Greenwashing C) Culture contact D) Time warp Answer: C 21) One of the reasons funeral directors organize is to __________. A) lobby Congress to repeal the Funeral Rule B) maintain a code of professional conduct C) buy out family owned funeral homes D) greenwash the home funeral trend Answer: B 22) The practice of anonymity helps funeral conglomerates __________. A) maintain the image of a small, caring business B) greenwash their services C) consolidate their services D) effectively lobby Congress Answer: A 23) Susan and Jim are making the final arrangements for their mother who as just passed away. As part of their planning, the funeral director shows them a casket price list. Why is the funeral director doing this? A) He thinks it is the moral thing to do. B) He wants to sell Susan and Jim the least expensive casket. C) He is required to do so by law. D) He is preparing Susan and Jim for the cremation process. Answer: C 24) Sometimes funeral directors will refer to funeral flowers as __________. A) natural funerals B) floral tributes C) lawn crypts D) green honor Answer: B 25) The practice of __________ involves draining the blood from bodies and replacing it with preservation fluid. A) embalming B) greenwashing C) casketing D) cremation Answer: A Part II. Essay Questions Answer the following questions in your own words. 1) Discuss how the practice of embalming has changed over time. Answer: The practice of embalming, the preservation of a deceased body through chemical treatment, has evolved significantly over time. 1. Ancient Egypt: One of the earliest records of embalming comes from ancient Egypt, where it was practiced for religious and cultural reasons. The process, known as mummification, involved removing organs, drying the body with natron (a type of salt), and wrapping it in bandages. 2. Middle Ages: Embalming fell out of favor in Europe during the Middle Ages due to religious beliefs that emphasized the body's natural decay as part of the afterlife process. 3. Renaissance: Interest in anatomy and preservation techniques increased during the Renaissance. Scholars like Leonardo da Vinci and Andreas Vesalius studied human anatomy, leading to improvements in embalming methods. 4. 19th Century: The 19th century saw a resurgence of embalming in the Western world, particularly during the American Civil War. Embalming was used to preserve soldiers' bodies for transport home, leading to the development of more effective embalming fluids. 5. 20th Century: The 20th century saw the rise of modern embalming techniques. Formaldehyde, a chemical with strong preservative properties, became the standard embalming fluid. Techniques and equipment for embalming also became more standardized and regulated. 6. 21st Century: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in eco-friendly or green embalming practices. These practices use less toxic chemicals and focus on preserving the body in a more natural state. Overall, the practice of embalming has evolved from its ancient religious roots to become a standard part of modern funeral practices, with ongoing efforts to make it more sustainable and environmentally friendly. 2) What does it mean to say there are functions to the death system? Explain at least four of the system’s functions. Answer: Sociologist Robert J. Kastenbaum proposed that there are several functions to the death system, which encompasses all the societal beliefs, practices, and institutions surrounding death. These functions help society cope with the reality and implications of death. Four key functions are: 1. Integration: The death system helps integrate individuals into society by providing rituals and ceremonies that mark the transition from life to death. These rituals, such as funerals and memorials, help bring people together, strengthen social bonds, and provide a sense of closure. 2. Regulation: The death system regulates behavior by providing guidelines for how death should be handled. This includes laws and regulations regarding the disposal of bodies, inheritance, and the administration of estates. These regulations help maintain order and ensure that death is managed in a way that is acceptable to society. 3. Normalization: The death system helps normalize the experience of death by providing cultural scripts and expectations for how individuals should grieve and mourn. This includes societal norms around expressions of grief, mourning periods, and the acceptance of death as a natural part of life. Normalization helps individuals process their grief and move forward after a loss. 4. Personalization: The death system allows for personalization of the grieving process, allowing individuals to honor the memory of the deceased in ways that are meaningful to them. This can include creating memorials, holding private ceremonies, or participating in activities that celebrate the life of the deceased. Personalization helps individuals find meaning in their loss and remember their loved ones in a way that is unique to them. 3) Explain how death systems are different in communities characterized by gemeinschaft and gesellschaft. Use the death customs of two specific societies/cultures to illustrate your explanation. Answer: In communities characterized by gemeinschaft (traditional, close-knit communities with strong social bonds) and gesellschaft (modern, individualistic societies), the death system reflects the broader cultural values and social structures of each type of community. One example of a society characterized by gemeinschaft is the Amish community. In Amish culture, death is seen as a natural part of life, and the community comes together to support the family of the deceased. Funerals are typically simple affairs, held in the home or a community building, with the entire community participating in the burial process. The emphasis is on honoring the deceased and supporting the grieving family, reflecting the close-knit nature of the Amish community. In contrast, in societies characterized by gesellschaft, such as urban Western societies, death customs are often more individualized and less community-focused. Funerals are typically more formalized, often held in funeral homes or religious institutions, with a focus on providing comfort to the immediate family rather than the broader community. Grieving practices may be more private, with individuals finding support through professional grief counseling or informal social networks. Overall, the death system in gemeinschaft communities emphasizes community support and solidarity, while the death system in gesellschaft communities reflects a more individualistic and formalized approach to death and grieving. 4) Why are some people concerned about the environmental impact of contemporary death practices? Discuss some of the specific things advocates of “green burials” are concerned about. Answer: Some people are concerned about the environmental impact of contemporary death practices due to the significant amount of resources and energy used in traditional burial and cremation methods. Advocates of "green burials" are particularly concerned about the following aspects: 1. Toxicity of Embalming Fluids: Traditional embalming fluids contain formaldehyde and other chemicals that can leach into the soil and groundwater, potentially harming the environment and wildlife. 2. Cremation Emissions: Cremation releases carbon dioxide, mercury from dental fillings, and other pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution and climate change. 3. Resource Use: Traditional burial practices often involve the use of non-biodegradable materials, such as metal caskets and concrete vaults, which require significant resources to produce and can take up valuable land space. 4. Loss of Natural Habitat: Cemeteries can contribute to the loss of natural habitat and biodiversity, as they often require clearing of land and maintenance with chemicals and water. 5. Energy Consumption: Both cremation and traditional burial require significant energy inputs, from the fuel used in cremation to the machinery and equipment used in grave preparation and maintenance. Advocates of green burials propose more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as natural burial in biodegradable caskets or shrouds, which allow the body to decompose naturally and return to the earth. These practices aim to minimize environmental impact, reduce resource consumption, and promote sustainability in death practices. 5) What are the five components of the death system? Provide specific examples of each of the five components. Answer: The five components of the death system, as outlined by sociologist Robert J. Kastenbaum, are: 1. People: Individuals who are part of the system, including the dying person, family members, healthcare professionals, funeral directors, and clergy. For example, family members making end-of-life decisions for a loved one, doctors providing palliative care, and funeral directors arranging burial services. 2. Places: Locations where death-related activities occur, such as hospitals, hospices, funeral homes, cemeteries, and places of worship. For example, a hospital room where a patient receives end-of-life care, a funeral home where a wake is held, or a cemetery where a loved one is buried. 3. Times: The timing and sequencing of events related to death, including the moment of death, funeral ceremonies, and mourning periods. For example, the scheduling of a funeral service, the duration of mourning observed by different cultures, and the timing of legal processes related to death. 4. Symbols: Objects, actions, or rituals that represent or signify death and mourning. Examples include black clothing worn during mourning, religious symbols used in funeral ceremonies, and flowers placed on graves as a sign of remembrance. 5. Social Organizations and Institutions: Formal and informal groups and institutions that shape and regulate death-related practices and beliefs, such as religious organizations, funeral industry associations, and hospice organizations. For example, a religious organization providing guidance on funeral rites, a hospice organization offering bereavement support services, or a funeral industry association setting standards for funeral practices. Test Bank for Death, Dying and Bereavement in a Changing World Alan R Kemp 9780205961009