Conclusion — Where Do We Go from Here?

Abstract

The chapters in this volume all indicate one thing: that social policies and systems in place to deal with those at the end of life, or indeed those that are left behind, require greater attention both politically and academically. Previously, emphasis has been given to healthcare policy and, more recently, on managing the end of life (Monroe et al., 2011). Along with chapters on the end of life, this book has focussed on a number of more neglected policy areas. Although it does not provide an exhaustive explanation for social policy for the end of life and death more broadly, it does map out a number of key policy concerns and challenges ahead. By focussing on issues before and after death, it combines diverse areas of social policy rarely considered. It demonstrates the breadth of policy related to death and its need to be on the social policy agenda.