Doing Death Research

This book brings together illuminating interviews with the most influential scholars who have shaped the interdisciplinary field of death studies. From sociological explorations to psychological frameworks, cultural analyses to digital age considerations, these conversations reveal the rich tapestry of approaches that have advanced our understanding of mortality, bereavement, and end-of-life experiences. Readers will discover how seminal works in death studies emerged, the critical role of academic and community networks, and the transformative power of examining death through diverse disciplinary lenses. The collection highlights both theoretical developments and practical applications, showcasing how scholars have navigated personal and professional boundaries while contributing to this sensitive yet vital area of study. This volume spans sociology, anthropology, psychology, cultural studies, digital humanities, and public engagement, making it an invaluable resource for academics, researchers, graduate students, and practitioners in death studies, palliative care, counseling, funeral services, and related fields. The chapters in this volume were originally published in Mortality.

Bethan Michael-Fox is Lecturer in English Literature and Creative Writing at The Open University in the United Kingdom. She has been the Mortality Managing Editor since 2020. Erica Borgstrom is Professor of Medical Anthropology at The Open University in the United Kingdom. She was Mortality Co-Editor-in-Chief from 2020 to 2024. Arnar Árnason is Senior Lecturer in Anthropology at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. He has been Mortality Co-Editor-in-Chief since 2016.

Preface Erica Borgstrom, Bethan Michael-Fox and Arnar Árnason 1. Reflections on 'doing' death: a conversation with Jenny Hockey on her life and work. Natalie Richardson and Jenny Hockey 2. Looking at death in the many contexts of life Margaret Holloway in conversation with Peter Jupp Margaret Holloway and Peter Jupp 3. Liquid immortality - an interview with Zygmunt Bauman Michael Hviid Jacobsen and Michael C. Kearl 4. Culture, contexts and connections: a conversation with Dennis Klass about his life and work as a bereavement scholar Edith Maria Steffen and Dennis Klass 5. Sociology, mortality and solidarity. An Interview with Zygmunt Bauman on death, dying and immortality. Michael Hviid Jacobsen and Douglas J. Davies 6. Foreign bodies: a conversation between Yasmin Gunaratnam and Ali Eisa. Yasmin Gunaratnam and Ali Eisa 7. African American funeral directors as culture keepers: an interview with Karla Holloway Kami Fletcher 8. To live and die in an age of extinction: a conversation with Juno Salazar Parreñas Marie-Thérèse Talensby and Juno Salazar Parreñas 9. Living and dying on the edge in the digital age. An interview with Andrei Vieru on why closure and boundaries matter in science, art, and life Adela Toplean 10. Study of dying, compassionate communities, and unobtrusive research: a conversation with Allan Kellehear on his life and work Samantha Hooker 11. Bridging the divides in bereavement research: a conversation with Colin Murray Parkes Caroline Pearce and Colin Murray Parkes 12. 'Well, cut a long story short' - an interview with Professor Douglas Davies, FBA. Jennifer Riley and Douglas Davies 13. Contemplating a career in death and dying- an interview with Tony Walter Michael Hviid Jacobsen 14. From cops & robbers to death and dying: sociologist George E. Dickinson reflects on his career Candi K. Cann and George. E. Dickinson 15. "What have I done?": an interview with Dr. Lauren J. Breen about her career path and her vision for a grief literate society Carrie Traher and Lauren J. Breen 16. Public engagement, pedagogy and edgework in death studies: Ruth Penfold-Mounce in conversation with Bethan Michael-Fox Ruth Penfold-Mounce and Bethan Michael-Fox