Death, Gender and Ethnicity examines the ways in which gender and ethnicity shape the experiences of dying and bereavement, taking as its focus the diversity of ways through which the universal event of death is encountered. It brings together accounts of how these experiences are actually managed with analyses of a range of representations of dying and grieving in order to provide a more theoretical approach to the relationship between death, gender and ethnicity.
Though death and dying have been an increasingly important focus for academics and clinicians over the last thirty years, much of this work provides little insight into the impact of gender and ethnicity on the experience. The result is often a universalising representation which fails to take account of the personally unique and culturally specific experiences associated with a death. Drawing on a range of detailed case studies, Death, Gender and Ethnicity develops a more sensitive theoretical approach which will be invaluable reading for students and practitioners in health studies, sociology, social work and medical anthropology.

'This book will prove to be of interest to practitioners as well as academics, since the contributions in their various ways effectively demonstrate how broader issues of gender and ethnic identity underlie many of the practical problems facing health care staff caring for the dying and the bereaved...thoughtful consideration of its messages should reward anyone involved in palliative care.' - Palliative Medicine

'A highly stimulating and challenging volume that demands a reappraisal of the significance of difference, diversity and most particularly inequality in dying, death and bereavement. Issues surrounding bereavement and the provision of services to minority and special needs groups are current and topical points of discussion and debate in palliative care. Death, Gender and Ethnicity will add substantially to these discussions and debates.' - Progress in Palliative Care

'An excellent reference source.' - Journal of Advanced Nursing

'This book provides us with a readable and interesting collection of research studies, framed by discussion setting out the context. Its detail will be welcomed by those with expertise, while for novices in this area the text presents an engaging and resourceful read.' - Journal of Gender Studies Vol 7:3 1998

David Field, Dr David Field, Jenny Hockey, Neil Small