The Death System
The death system is a complex structure that plays a vital role in society and its unity. These include several key components and functions that shape the understanding and management of death. First of all, the death system involves the interaction of individuals and groups with those who are dying or grieving. Healthcare providers, family members, and various support networks are integral parts of this system and contribute significantly to coping with the social and emotional aspects of death.
Another component is the physical environment in which death-related events occur. Hospitals, funeral homes, and cemeteries are essential for various rituals, mourning processes, and commemorative events. Culturally defined rituals, such as funeral ceremonies and periods of mourning, are governed by specific time frames that reflect a collective approach to dealing with death. Different communities also have unique objects that facilitate the mourning process and help perpetuate the memory of the deceased.
One of the main functions of systems of death is to rationalize it, allowing people to understand the meaning of mortality and find purpose in life. The system also promotes social integration through unity, cultural identity, and shared rituals and customs. In addition, it establishes rules and regulations that govern various aspects of death, ensuring order and preventing chaos in society.
Stage Theory of Dying
As it is known, the stage theory of dying, proposed by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, states that people facing imminent death go through five stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. I believe that the stage theory of dying has made valuable contributions to understanding emotional reactions associated with death and dying. It is likely that most people actually experience the tragedy of death precisely as proposed in the theory, but each person may react differently to different life events.
Critics argue that the stage theory of dying provides a rigid and oversimplified framework for understanding the multifaceted and individualized nature of the dying process. One of the main criticisms is the idea of a linear progression through these stages (Corr, 2019). In reality, individuals may move back and forth between phases, skip stages, or face completely different emotions entirely (Corr, 2019). Moreover, the duration of each stage can vary significantly between individuals, further challenging the idea of a fixed sequence. In addition, the theory does not consider cultural and contextual factors that offer diversity in cultural beliefs.
Reference
Corr, C. A. (2019). Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and the “Five Stages” model in a sampling of recent textbooks published in 10 countries outside the United States. OMEGA – Journal of Death and Dying, 83(1), 33–63. Web.