Many people experience grief and a sense of loss after the death of a loved one. But the ways in which they experience and express these feelings may differ across cultures. Culture is the mix of beliefs, values, behaviors, traditions, and rituals that members of a cultural group share. Each culture has its own rituals that influence the expression of grief. Carrying out these practices offers a sense of stability and security. Rituals can also help people who are dying and bring comfort to the loved ones who are preparing for their loss. Show
Culture and the meaning of deathEvery culture has its own set of beliefs that describe how the world works and people’s roles in the world. In societies in which most people share the same religion, religious beliefs significantly shape the culture. Each culture has its own beliefs about the meaning and purpose of life and what happens after death. This informs how people in those cultures approach death. For example, people may find death more bearable if they believe in a life after death. In some cultures, people believe that the spirit of someone who has died directly influences the living family members. The family members are comforted by the belief that their loved one is watching over them. In general, beliefs about the meaning of death help people make sense of it and cope with its mystery. Cultural rituals regarding deathIn each culture, death is associated with rituals and customs to help people with the grieving process. Rituals offer people ways to process and express their grief. They also provide ways for the community to support the bereaved. A person who is bereaved is in a period of grief and mourning after a loss. Death can create a sense of chaos and confusion. Rituals and customs provide a sense of routine and normalcy. They provide a set of directions that help structure the time surrounding death. Also, they direct people’s roles during this time. Rituals and customs can help address:
Personal differences in grief and mourningPeople often adapt the beliefs and values of their culture to meet their unique needs and circumstances. As a result, grief responses within a culture vary from person to person. This is especially true in societies made up of people from many cultural backgrounds. A family with members from 2 or more cultural backgrounds may develop its own set of rituals and customs. In some instances, a person’s experience of grief may be at odds with cultural norms. For example, someone who is quiet and reserved may not feel comfortable crying in public as expected. Others may have a level of despair that feels out of step with cultural beliefs about life after death. Despite cultural norms, people need to grieve in ways that feel right to them. Grief and cultural sensitivityThere is no correct way to grieve. Mourning rituals that are normal to one culture may seem strange to another. It may be difficult to know how to be sensitive to a grieving person from a different cultural background. Consider the following questions as you seek to support a person with a different cultural background:
Consider talking with someone who shares that cultural background or searching for information on the Internet to learn more about the customs and mourning practices of a person from another culture. Related ResourcesCoping With Grief Coping With Change After a Loss Which of the following communication style describes how directly people state their meaning in communication?Assertiveness means expressing your point of view in a way that is clear and direct, while still respecting others.
Which of the following best describes a sub culture?Which of the following best describes a subculture? It has special terms that its members use to communicate with each other. What do cab drivers, dancers, lawyers, wrestlers, African Americans, and tattoo artists have in common? Each group makes up a separate and distinct subculture.
Which of the following is another term for internal locus of control?Internal locus of control can also be called “agency”. Overall, it incorporates the ability to take action, be effective, influence your own life, and assume responsibility for your behaviors.
What are rules or norms developed around an organizational culture?According to Basaran (1991), norms are codes of conduct and criteria adopted by the majority of employees, which are developed in accordance with the cultural values of an organization. Norms guide employees in how to behave within the organization, how they should interact, and how they should connect with others.
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