Setting the Scene

Abstract

Writing, reading and talking about death presents a particular challenge. On the one hand, death has ceased to be a topic which must be avoided or left unmentioned, as is illustrated by the burgeoning body of literature which covers the philosophical, organisational, professional and personal implications of dying, death and bereavement. On the other hand, however, it may be argued that the private and public rituals surrounding death have been gradually attenuated, and that there are few explicit guidelines for how to behave when a death occurs. There is thus an increasingly confident approach to the topic from researchers and practitioners, while at the same time personal confrontation with those who are dying or bereaved is likely to engender feelings of anxiety, confusion, uncertainty and embarrassment. A willingness and ability to talk about death with equanimity is likely to depend on the personal, social and professional significance of this event. Much of this book will be concerned with the nature of this dilemma and ways of resolving it, in relation to social work practice. It is clear that several professional groups will be involved with dying patients and their bereaved relatives.

It is only when we become conscious of our own part in life, however modest, that we shall be happy. Only then will we be able to live in peace and die in peace, for only this lends meaning to life and death.

Antoine de Saint-Exupery, Wind, Sand and Stars (1939)