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Related Experiment Videos

Mediator deathwork.

Tony Walter1

  • 1Department of Sociology, University of Reading, Reading, England. j.a.walter@rdg.ac.uk

Death Studies
|June 23, 2005
PubMed
Summary

This study analyzes "mediator deathwork," a widespread professional practice involving presenting information about the dead. It highlights lesser-known roles like pathologists and funeral celebrants in public rites.

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Area of Science:

  • Sociology of death
  • Cultural anthropology
  • Professional studies

Background:

  • Professional roles in managing death are diverse and extend beyond the therapist-client dynamic.
  • Existing research predominantly focuses on dyadic therapist-client relationships in deathwork.
  • Various professional roles interact with the deceased and the bereaved.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze and categorize different forms of professional deathwork.
  • To highlight the under-researched area of mediator deathwork.
  • To examine the information flow in mediator deathwork.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis of professional roles involving the dead.
  • Categorization of deathwork into dyadic, mediator, barrier, and intercessory types.
  • Examination of the information pathways in mediator deathwork.

Main Results:

  • Identified mediator deathwork as a widespread yet under-analyzed form of professional engagement with the dead.
  • Defined mediator deathwork as the process of gleaning, editing, and presenting information about the deceased in public rites.
  • Provided examples of mediator deathworkers including pathologists, coroners, funeral directors, celebrants, obituary writers, mediums, and curators.

Conclusions:

  • Mediator deathwork, involving a triadic flow (the dead-mediator-public rite), is a significant professional domain.
  • Further research is needed to understand the complexities and societal impact of mediator deathwork.
  • Recognizing diverse deathwork roles enhances our understanding of cultural practices surrounding death.

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