Sociology of Death and Dying: Anomie, Grief, and Bereavement

This report explores the sociological dimensions of death, dying, and grief, focusing on the concept of anomie. It examines how anomie, or normlessness, as defined by Durkheim, plays a role in the experience of loss and bereavement. The report highlights the impact of social structures and transitions on individuals' emotional responses to death. It also discusses the practical implications of understanding anomie in the context of grief and bereavement, citing examples of how societal changes can contribute to feelings of uncertainty and distress. The report concludes by emphasizing the significance of recognizing anomie as a key factor in understanding the psychological and emotional challenges associated with death and dying. The report references key sociological concepts and scholarly sources to support its arguments.

Running head: SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL SCIENCE
SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL SCIENCE
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1SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL SCIENCE
Introduction
Death, dying and grieving or bereavement are regarded as emotionally stimulating
phenomena thus to understand it as a psychological approach has proven to be an attractive field
of investigation (Howarth, 2007). The following paper emphasizes on the way these emotions
are related to sociological occurrence as well in the sense that the way sentiments and feelings
are conceptualized, experienced and countered depending on social processes as well as
structures.
Discussion
Durkheim’s anomie as one of the key sociological concept sheds light on the
normlessness. It is further used to signify situations whereby the social rules of behaviour are
ambiguous (DiCristina, 2016). For instance during an occurrence of major change resulting
individuals to develop the sense of loss due to removal of regular patterns of behaviour and with
development of new ones. Furthermore, people living in a nation being invaded by hostile force
can be defined as an appropriate instance of Durkheim’s anomie. Meanwhile Howarth (2007) has
drawn an instance of a student leaving parental home to pursue college in different city can also
be sited as case of anomie. The domain of dying, death and grieving is greatly abounded with
instances of anomie as transitions implicated typically generate strong sense of normlessness, a
painful and sore sense of feeling of uncertainty which adds up to immense sorrow and distress.
However anomie as a sociological notion can be of immense significance in notifying practice
interferences (DiCristina, 2016).
Conclusion
Hence to conclude, it can be stated that as anomie tends to capture that sense of
normlessness resulting to alienation it is of great importance to understand underlying

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conjectures related to death, dying and sorrow or grieving.
References
DiCristina, B. (2016). Durkheim’s theory of anomie and crime: A clarification and
elaboration. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Criminology, 49(3), 311-331.
Howarth, G. (2007). Death and dying: A sociological introduction. Polity.