A Critical Comparison Of Expressions Of Grief - 1419 Words

A Critical Comparison of Expressions of Grief in Asia Death is universal and while grief is a common reaction to this inevitable occurrence, responses can be varied across Asian cultures. Ethnographic accounts reveal how grief and bereavement is expressed in this region and provides a basis for discussion. By concentrating on specific Asian regions, it is possible to identify the similarities or differences between the experiences and expressions of grief within Asia, contrary to Western perspectives of grieving responses and reactions. Firstly, the emotional and social connotations of grieving within certain cultural contexts will be discussed. Moreover, a focus on grief in Asian societies such as those in Japan, China, Thailand,†¦show more content†¦2014, pp.510). It is important to note, as Castle and Phillips (2003, pp.42) illustrates, that grief should not be seen as having solely elements of suffering and pain, however it can also be considered a reminder of an ongoing relationship to the deceased, which may include those qualities of comfort and connection toward those who have passed. In terms of grief, Lee et al. (2010, pp. 507) discusses that the most common grief response among Western grievers were bargaining, followed by acceptance, depression, anger, denial, and isolation. Furthermore, Neimeyer, Klass and Dennis (2014, pp.485) shows that in contrast to Western conceptions of bereavement which views grieving as seeking meaning through personal and familial transitions, other cultures, relate grief toward broader community and cultural spheres. Putting this into consideration, Balk (2006, pp.87) places emphasis on the diversity of our world and thus, there is also a great diversity of views, attitudes and behaviours regarding death and grief. Therefore, using examples of grief reactions and expressions within certain populations in Asia, will facilitate diverse and culturally understanding perspectives of grief which can be further