1. Cultural Perception of Death
Apparently, culture plays a massive role in every aspect of our lives; right from configuration of our mindset, thoughts, perceptions, and the perspective upon which we regard life in general. The fact that cultures differ implies that various cultures perceive death differently. But even as such, Jenkinson in the documentary Griefwalker (2008) observes that what really underlies the cultural perception of death is that it is a form of punishment for the sins and disobedience that people engage in (Wilson, 2008). The mere imagination of death, however, is deeply accompanied by extreme phobia. Jenkinson observes that the phobia emerges from different ends, among them; the mere thought of failure to endure the love and company of the loved ones and relatives, the state of limbo that death throws one in, and the pain that accompanies it. All these factors drive phobia and fear among people when they think of death.
2. Palliative Care and the Relevant Sociological Theoretical Paradigm
People really intend to avoid death by all means. Society tries its best to ensure that individuals survive the wrath of death, and it is from such that the concepts such as palliative care emerge. Palliative care generally implies giving the much needed care and attention to the terminally ill in an attempt to reduce the pain and suffering they go through. The concept of palliative care and the general concern of individual well-being in the society can be traced to the sociological perspective present in the arguments of structural functionalism. Structural functionalists argue that the society is made up of different parts which help in the functioning of the whole (Seymour, 2007). An individual is therefore an essential part of the whole, and as such, the well-being of one person is very paramount for the effective functioning of the society. Taking care of the sick individuals as is the case in palliative care therefore seems to be an integral part of the society in ensuring that pain and suffering does not endure among its members, and that everybody is healthy enough to continue with the daily routine of ensuring the society attains its objectives as a whole.
Eric Cassell (2004) argues that suffering, as experienced by people, happens when an imminent destruction of an individual is expected and continues until his or her integrity can be restored in some manner. The restoration is only possible through palliative care, which is largely part of the responsibility of the members of the society. As Jenkinson further argues, people feel the pain of death mainly because they feel the loss they put those they leave behind through (Wilson, 2008). Apparently, death is not about the person dying, rather, it is about those he leaves behind (the relatives, family, children, and friends). This totally supports the sociological theoretical paradigm of structural functionalism, and elaborates on the intertwined connection members of the society have.
3. Whether there is Anything like Good Dying
Definitely, there are perceptions about good and bad dying. Jenkinson observes that good dying is marked by comfort, and is always painless. Good death would therefore involve dying peaceful in your sleep, dying free from depression and stress, and most importantly, dying knowing that you have lived the best moments of your life, and that there is life after death that awaits you. All these are about one's perceptions and beliefs.
References
Cassell, E. (2004) The Nature of Suffering and the Goals of Medicine. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Seymour, J. (2007). Windows on suffering: sociological perspectives on end of life care. University of Nottingham. Available at http://www.medicalsociologyonline.org/oldsite/archives/issue22/jseymour.html
Wilson, T. (2008). Griefwalker (2008). Available at https://www.nfb.ca/film/griefwalker/
