Sociology of Death and the American Indian

(Hardback)

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Description

In Sociology of Death and the American Indian, Gerry R. Cox examines dying, death, disposal, and bereavement as well describes these practices in various American Indian tribes both historically and currently, supplemented with oral histories from select tribes. The book focuses on what can be learned from the practices of traditional cultures, showing that understanding the ways of other cultures can enhance the understanding of ones own culture by comparing traditional and modern societies. Cox addresses that the centuries of injustices committed against American Indians have led to a neglect of learning about American Indian cultures and ways and attempts to fill the gaps in knowledge of American Indian dying, death, disposal, and bereavement practices.

Reviews

"Sociology of Death and the American Indian is Gerry R. Cox's magnum opusa book of both great depth and breadth. Cox is deeply sensitive and respectful to Native American cultures. This book will be of great value to counselors, death educators, those interested in or focused on Native-American life, sociologists, and the general public. It is destined to be the 'go-to' book for anyone interested in the ways that the diverse Native American communities handle death, dying, grief, and loss."

-- Kenneth J Doka, PhD, Senior Vice-President for Grief Programs, The Hospice Foundation of America

In this amazing book, Gerry Cox tells a story worthy of the American Indians whom he loves. Written in clear, concise prose it is a treasure trove for all who care about this ancient heritage. This book will be of special interest to those professionals and volunteers providing palliative care and bereavement services. And it is, of course, valuable to the rest of us, who are all dying.

-- Colin Murray Parkes, OBE, MD, FRCPsych, and LLD

Sociology of Death and the American Indians most prominent strengths come from applications of the authors professional background in sociology, his abiding interest in Native American cultural groups, and his expertise as a long-time educator in the field of dying, death, and bereavement. Special features of this book include its sensitivity to distinctions among American Indian groups, individuality among their members, and changes over time. Particularly impressive is this books detailed exploration of disposal and bereavement practices of sixteen distinct American Indian tribal groups. The overall lesson that emerges from this book is that studying cultural diversity provides opportunities for all to grow.

-- Charles A. Corr, professor emeritus, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Gerry Cox has been one of the leading scholars of death, dying, and bereavement for over fifty years. In this book, Cox is at the height of his analytic powers. Impressive in scope and theoretical ambition, this book is destined to be the definitive text on American Indian death and bereavement practices. Based on extensive historical scholarship and oral histories collected from over forty American Indian reservations, Cox reveals the complexity and power of American Indian death rituals. As he notes, death occurs to all people, making this text an essential contribution to understanding a universal experience.

-- Brian Donovan, University of Kansas

This is an essential, authoritative resource that provides a comprehensive, state-of-the-art account of loss, grief, and mourning of American Indians. A renowned expert in the field, Gerry Cox brings a professional lifetime of expertise and a unique sociological lens to this subject. This is a crucial work that tells a story of adversity and survival and moves us away from a simplistic rendering of American Indian life and death."

-- Christopher Hall, CEO, Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement

Author Bio

Gerry R. Cox is professor emeritus of sociology at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.