Why Death is Considered Taboo: A Sociological Analysis

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Running Head: Why Death is considered as Taboo?
1
Title: Why Death is considered as Taboo?
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Why Death is considered as Taboo? 2
Introduction
Taboo is considered as a social or religious custom which puts a ban or restriction on a
particular topic or thing. There are various topics and subjects in different parts of the world
which are considered as Taboo. One such subject is death which hardly known as the go-to
topic of conversation with any particular person. Everyone tries to avoid this topic as much as
possible, even with the fact that that is an inevitable part of a person's life. The report is
designed to provide a detailed understanding of the claim that death and dying are considered
Taboo subjects in contemporary society. The report will cover various aspects on the subject
of adulthood and aging and understand how health, aging and well-being of a person impact
their life in adulthood while highlighting the facts why it is so hard for people to talk about
the death of a loved one. All the important reasons will be discussed in this Taboo subject and
why people are not encouraged to talk about it. The study will also explore the cultural
perspective of death and how it is associated with the inability of people to be comfortable
talking about it.
Discussion
There have been great discussions about what happens after death. Is it possible that nothing
happens after death, similar to space, like many belief? Whatever the fact, one universal truth
about life is death, and still, it is considered as a Taboo topic in contemporary society for
various reasons. For example, in the media, death is often portrayed as automatic, violent and
speedy, which automatically develop an image in the minds of the people involving some
disaster or accident which results in developing a stereotyped view of death instead of the
reality. It is one of the faces we face in almost every day in movies, news, etc (Chapple,
2015). However, when it comes to talking about the subject, most of the people would

Why Death is considered as Taboo? 3
consider running away from the topic as early as possible. Today, that is not encountered on
the personal level as compared to earlier times or anywhere else in the world other than
Western countries (Chapple, 2015). With the help of Science and Technology, the rate of
infant mortality has greatly reduced, which has also developed a greater perception among
people that Technology will also prolong their life. On the other hand, there is also a
reduction in the spiritual beliefs that afterlife exists. Today it is considered as the final event
of individuals' life making it quite a difficult subject for people to discuss.
Death in earlier times
Today, people also obsessed with prolonged life for which they indulge in healthy eating,
working out regularly and doing everything in order to reduce stress antidote of the
inevitability of death. It is important for people to understand that everyone will die at any
stage of their life and nobody is immune to death (Sabri, 2012). During the Roman Empire
period, death was considered a common happening and more importantly, a public spectacle.
During that time, death was not the question of when the person will die or how he will die
because for them, it was considered as an event which can be seen every day. Similarly, in
medieval times, death was known as a much greater presence in society as compared to
current times (Colclough, 2017). Life expectancy rate was quite low and people were
prepared to face that anytime where it is most likely to be cruel, violent and extremely
painful. In such times, that was highly uncontrollable unpredictable and people were highly
aware of death and their own mortality (Sabri, 2012). And if we talk about the last century,
death was highly cruel in the form of wars such as World War 1 and 2, Afghanistan war,
Korean War, China, etc where everyone witnessed violent that's of different countries people.
During that time, civilians just carry on with their life the best they could with the knowledge

Why Death is considered as Taboo? 4
that any they could be there last day (Colclough, 2017). And life was not any better for
people living inside the home as they continuously lived in fear of whether their loved one
will never return. In all the time periods described above, death is portrayed in a violent and
unpredictable manner where the observation states that there were people who were living
their life facing death on a daily basis and then there were people who had to leave in the fear
of death, whether theirs or their loved one on a daily basis (Chapple, 2015).
As per various studies, it has been found that people are unwilling to talk about the process of
dying openly and also not prone to telling people that they are going to die. It is considered as
a moral attitude of people which believes that life is highly preferable and one should take
whatever follow in their daily life, but not look forward to death in any way. There are many
psychological and social issues associated with the concept of death. One such concept is
when a person is dying and he or she knows that they are dying, they are reluctant to disclose
this information to their relatives and parents (Colclough, 2017). The Awareness of death can
also impact the expertise and skills of people providing care to the dying patient that as
physicians and nurses. Many studies also claimed that talking about that is not Taboo, it is
just people are not encouraged to talk about it. Many people also so like discussing death
which can be observed by the fact that there are a lot of people who like to watch television
shows and movies regarding mysterious death and Forensic Pathology. However, since the
19th century, when the Victoria celebrated the funeral and death with theatricality, an
argument developed among people that we have repressed death at a point of being hidden.
But many do not consider it Taboo as people see images of death every day and one cannot
simply avoid it (Sabri, 2012).

Why Death is considered as Taboo? 5
But in many societies, the concept of death is quite frightening simply because of the fact that
it could resemble the loss of a loved one. Whenever someone talks about a person who is
dead due to any kind of accident or illness, one of the first thing that enters into the mind of
the person is water something like this happens to me for anyone in my family (Colclough,
2017). This particular thought is one of the greatest fear of any person which makes them to
run away from the topic as they do not want to think about the death of themselves for their
loved one, not even for a single second (Sayer, 2010).
Does age impact the discussion on death?
According to Bruce Miller, who is the US palliative care specialist, the way people handle
death and dying is quite fascinating, enormous and elemental, still, it sometimes continues to
be known as Taboo. It is a Taboo subject for anyone to have a conversation with and based
on many studies, it is the most awarded conversation topic in the world. However, with the
evolution of modernity and education is ensuring that people talk about death more
frequently as compared to before (Stearns, 2015). It can be seen by the research which state
that the younger generation is more comfortable talking about the subject as compared to
people in the age group of 60+. One of the major reasons why people do not want to talk
about death, even if they like the subject and wants to know the opinion of people on the
topic, is simply because they would be treated differently by others (Farmer , 2016). It would
also so developed thinking in the people that the individual talking about the subject may be
thinking about suicide. Young people also involved in different activities such as sporting,
adventures and other fun activities which who leads to better development of the mind. This
reduces the negative impact of discussion on death topic on the whole as compared to elder
people. This is because elder people will be highly afraid of death due to their continuous

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thinking of their age as compared to the younger generation who would never think of dying
due to their ambitions, wishes and desire to live a happy life (Farmer, 2016). Older people
have already left their life whether satisfactory or unsatisfactory and now the only thing they
can think of is how they will die (Sayer, 2010). This is why do not like to talk about it
whereas most of the younger generation would simply laugh about it.
Does culture impact the way people handle death?
There are various traditions and culture in the world surrounding the death which include not
touching the dead body as you can inherit the disease, not cremating the body as the spirit
will not rest in peace, etc. In a country like India where you can find both highly modern and
cultural people, you will see different perspectives of death. For instance, elder people in the
country would avoid talking about death as many of them believe it can cause unfortune and
distress in the family. It also creates a state of mind where people only think of negative
thoughts after a discussion surrounding death (Walter, 2015). And whenever someone in their
neighborhood dies, it is considered bad omen for the people in the area. Another reason why
culture impacts the understanding and discussion on death is that everyone wants to be
happy, and being happy means living life in a satisfactory manner. In different cultures, dying
is known as a profound process of transformation, and for many, it is considered as a spiritual
and religious event. All the attention of the person dying automatically shifts away from the
destruction of the outer world and turns in word towards the personal search for the greater
meaning of comfort, peace and spiritual fulfillment. Still, there are many cultures in the world
which considers death as Taboo. For instance, from the perspective of Maori, terminal illness,
death and dying along with grieving are known as the most important and sacred aspects of
life (Farmer , 2016). The ceremony, language and sanctity are all intervened in the tradition
of Maori and is held at the highest regard.

Why Death is considered as Taboo? 7
For the Maori, fatal disease or the reason for a critically ill person is mainly a 'living', family
(Whanau) issue. All the friends and relatives regularly gather on a daily basis besides the
patient at the hospital or the home, giving all sorts of emotional, moral and spiritual support
to the family of the patient. It is to be understood that the interest of family and patient is of
great concern for the Maori. On the other hand, Karakia (incantation and prayers) are
considered as the most crucial part of modern customs and traditional Maori whose believes
are connected with each other on various aspects. They also acknowledge each other belief
and accepts the role they play in scientific medicines (Stearns, 2015). This can be seen in
death as well where both of the cultures consider it a normal phenomenon. However, both
religions do not take active participation in the conversation regarding death and dying, even
though the rituals related to the funeral of a person is relatively the same. Without
extraordinary development on Maori culture and even given the current social atmosphere,
Maori conventions and practices keep on being a basic piece of Maori life and will without a
doubt keep on being so (Walter, 2015). It is one of the really sacred and noble societies that
have withstood time can be known as western culture. Maori have no taboos with regards to
Death seem to encompass and embrace within their sanctity and ceremony (Feifel, 2017).
Other cultures inside New Zealand have similar perspectives and practices in their frame of
mind towards death. On account of either terminal ailment as well as in managing the at
death's door, it is especially family time with both down to earth and profound help being on
steady benefit. One noteworthy case is that of the Niueans (Walter, 2015). For them, passing
is viewed as unthinkable. Dialog of death among themselves or with the perishing is taboo
except if the withering raises their looming demise. However, inside a similar setting, the
family and friends of the sick individual will keep up a consistent bedside vidual (Stearns,
2015).

Why Death is considered as Taboo? 8
Individuals are highly dependent on the concept of death as it is possibly one of the universal
truth all the people at every age have understood and accepted. It was highly likely to be
moderate among the middle is people with the faith in their existence wake of death. They
believe that whenever a person dies, it is not the end as the spirit goes on to some other body.
Similarly, different religions in the world have a different understanding of death and spirit.
This particular distress related to death has led to discuss along with humiliation, resulting in
people avoiding the discussion related to the topic in any way. Most of the people, while
conversing about the topic, tend to discuss in in different language and not using the exact
word, especially with the children. These include passed away, gone, no more, etc which
provides not so negative impact of death on the people. (Walter, 2015). We experience
extraordinary silence in endeavouring to discuss with a person in critical condition, whether
they are family or not. Out of sheer cumbersomeness, we could tell nothing at all and in
doing so deny both us and the perishing individual of physical touch, encouraging talks, and
acknowledgment and enthusiastic connectedness that we really desire. The words and the
profitable evidence of our love and delicacy go inferred (Feifel, 2017).
There are many other reasons why people do not like to talk about death apart from culture
and religion. Guilt is one of the strongest emotions which everyone experience during their
death and also by those who survive. Whenever a person in the family dies, there is always a
sense of guilt can other people in the family and they are the most vulnerable and are highly
prone to avoid the topic of death in any way (Feifel, 2017). This is because whenever they
think of death, they always seem to remember the person in the family who has left them
which makes them feel depressed. It also increases a sense of fear in their psychological mind
which indicates what if they might lose another person for the loved one in their life (Stearns,
2015). All these reasons impact individuals ability to discuss this topic, enhance, it is
considered as taboo in many parts of the world. Even in the modern and developed countries

Why Death is considered as Taboo? 9
like America, UK, New Zealand and Australia, talking about death and dying is certainly not
the most interesting subject to discuss and everyone likes to avoid the topic whenever
possible (Feifel, 2017).
Conclusion
Based on the study, it can be said that death is a Taboo subject in various parts of the world
due to various reasons including fear of death, culture and tradition regarding death and
dying, people's perspective towards terminal illness and death, and much more. However, it is
also known that the fear of talking about death is considered Taboo mostly by elder people as
compared to younger generation due to their ability to divert their mind on various other
topics, which is certainly not the case with the elders you can only think of the remaining
days of their life.

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References
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Farmer Jr, J. A. (2016). Death education: Adult education in the face of a taboo. OMEGA-
Journal of Death and Dying, 1(2), 109-113.
Chapple, A., Ziebland, S., & Hawton, K. (2015). Taboo and the different death? Perceptions
of those bereaved by suicide or other traumatic death. Sociology of health & illness, 37(4),
610-625.
Dickenson, D., Johnson, M., & Katz, J. S. (Eds.). (2000). Death, dying and bereavement.
Sage.
Sayer, D. (2010). Who's afraid of the dead? Archaeology, modernity and the death
taboo. World Archaeology, 42(3), 481-491.
Sabri, O., & Obermiller, C. (2012). Consumer perception of taboo in ads. Journal of business
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Stearns, P. N. (2015). Revolutions in sorrow: The American experience of death in global
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Colclough, Y. Y. (2017). Native American death taboo: implications for health care
providers. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine®, 34(6), 584-591.
Feifel, H. (2017). Death. In Taboo topics (pp. 8-21). Routledge.