| Abstract: | A collective interest in death and dying has progressively developed in American society since the 1960s. Among the factors associated with it are demographic shifts; medical, scientific, and technological advances; changes in the statuses, roles, and outlook of medical professionals, patients, and women; and the affirmation and broadening of individual rights. Life-and-death issues have moved increasingly from private to public spheres of the society and are appearing more frequently in the courts, the media, and the arts. They are also principal foci of several social movements. This pervasive preoccupation with death seems related to deep cultural changes occurring in our society and in its world view. |
