TSJ Compare and Contrast
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Grand Canyon University *
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513
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Arts Humanities
Date
Jan 9, 2024
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docx
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Uploaded by GrandTank10759
1
Compare and Contrast
Tonya S. Jones
College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Grand Canyon University
MHW-513: Grief and Bereavement Theory and Practice
Professor V. Henderson
September 27, 2023
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Compare and Contrast
All over the world the meaning of life and death are symbolized, celebrated, and grieved
in various fashions. Many cultures and religions have specific traditions, beliefs, and rituals that
are followed which differ from one to the next. These cultural influences form attitudes on death,
their representation within the specific culture/religion, and how they are different. Within this
article, you will read about a compare and contrast of Western and non-Western perspectives on
death/dying, their main characteristics, and their strengths or challenges in the approaches.
In many Western societies, the idea of death or dying is overlooked, feared, or both.
Throughout history, the perspective of death for Americans has changed over time. In the 1600s
to the 1800s death was a part of Western life and people were used to it occurring and even
encouraging one another to prepare for it as it was the work of God (Leming & Dickinson, pg.,
71. 2016). During these early periods, people died in their homes while family members and
friends stopped by to pay their last respects. As time passed death became disconnected from
Western life and people started to look at it as if it were taboo.
The modern Western perspective of death has changed from the aged dying in their
homes. Today American families send their elders away to age ‘gracefully’ (and die) in hospitals,
hospice facilities, or nursing homes. Although the prevalence of occurrences such as 9/11 and the
COVID pandemic have placed death directly at the forefront many still fear the acknowledgment
of death especially their own. The American people have also become so far removed from death
and dying due to medications, serums, surgeries, and other advanced technological practices. A
survey completed by Advanced Dermatology (2022) shared that in one-year women spent
approximately $877 a year on skincare and hair products and men spent about $592. They have
not only become fearful of dying but also of growing and looking old. Individuals often make the
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choice of being cremated or having a funeral in their will or last rights. In the event someone
does ‘pass away’ at home the coroner is called, and the body of the deceased is swiftly taken
away from the family until the day of the funeral or cremation (Bateman, 2020). During this time
an autopsy is done and if the dead are to be buried, they will be embalmed for preparation of a
funeral and burial session. Western funerals are often held in churches adorned with assorted
flower, where family members and friends are given the opportunity to speak about the deceased
and share some last moments with them. The funeral procession usually follows where the hearse
(which includes the dead) leads family and friends to the final resting ground (or plot) of the
deceased.
In Eastern culture the Chinese are a bit more open about death to some degree. The
Chinese acknowledge dying and death as a part of life but do not include it in regular
conversation as to not disrespect their “inner harmony” (INELDA.
2021). This harmony is
connected to Confucianism and is pertaining to a balance of humanity and the universe. Unlike
Western culture, the Chinese find comfort in dying at home. Tang (2000) explains that the
Chinese belief is that when one dies at home they are at peace and a place where they can
connect with those who have passed on before them instead of dying elsewhere and their soul
wandering Earth. It is also customary for the deceased body to be treated after they have passed
on. In traditional Chinese custom the body of the deceased is washed, covered in powder and
either adorned in jewelry (women) or with coins (men) (INELDA.
2021). Eastern cultures have
various traditions when it comes to funerals and the dying including the color(s) they are
supposed to wear, days of the ‘wake’, and types of flowers that will be presented on that day.
When a casket is being closed either at the funeral or burial site it is customary for the Chinese to
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turn their backs towards the casket, so their souls do not become trapped with the dead (Dignity
Memorial. (n.d.).
Strengths and challenges in each culture will differ as there are varying traditions and
customs in Western and Eastern culture. One strength of the Western culture is many religions
believe that after death you go to Heaven. Palmer (2023) states that in customary Chinese
traditions they believe the dead remain in their home and have tablets and portraits displayed to
represent those who have passed on. Due to Western culture being so diverse with tradition and
cultures it can be quite difficult to abide by the wishes of some deceased. A challenge of Eastern
Chinese culture is the amount of burial space available as they are so overcrowded by millions of
deaths yearly the government has placed a ban on burial deaths (Penrose, 2019).
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Reference
Bateman, S. (2020, August 13). How different cultures deal with death.
Newshub. https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/lifestyle/2019/06/how-different-cultures-
deal-with-death.html
Dignity Memorial. (n.d.). A complete guide to traditional Chinese funeral
customs. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/memorial-services/funeral-
traditions/chinese-funeral-traditions
INELDA. (2021, October 4). The Chinese approach to death and dying. https://inelda.org/the-
chinese-approach-to-death-and-dying/
Leming, M. R., & Dickinson, G. E. (2016). Understanding dying, death, &
bereavement (9th ed.). Cengage. ISBN-13: 9780357045084
Palmer, D. A. (2023, February 20). Death in traditional Chinese culture.
Medium. https://thedavidpalmer.medium.com/death-in-traditional-chinese-culture-
44018058c51a
Penrose, K. (2019, February 26). A look at cemetery customs, challenges and changes around the
world. funeralOne Blog. https://blog.funeralone.com/grow-your-business/unique-
services/cemetery-customs-world/
Staff, M. S. (2022, December 8). How much do Americans spend on their looks every
year? Modern Salon | Professional Hairstylist Education &
Trends. https://www.modernsalon.com/1084744/how-much-do-americans-spend-on-
their-looks-every-year
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Tang ST. (2000). Meanings of dying at home for Chinese patients in Taiwan with terminal
cancer: a literature review. Cancer Nursing, 23(5), 367–370.
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