Thesis (Ph. D. in Sociology)--Vanderbilt University, Aug. 2008. / Title from title screen. Includes bibliographical references.

Research has indicated that Funeral Directors and Embalmers are stigmatized for their work. Studies have shown that, although the decay of dead bodies is a stigmatized process in American culture, these particular deathcare workers are able to shift the focus of their services from the dead to the living. However, there remains a lack of research regarding deathcare workers who are not employed as Funeral Directors or Embalmers— those whose positions are not as obvious to the general public. This research explores how, why, and to what degree stigma is placed on those individuals who spend the majority of their work time in direct contact with dead bodies, as opposed to grieving family members. Interviews with funeral employees have been utilized to provide insight into this phenomenon. Results of the analysis show that frequency of contact with bodies is only one of three major factors influencing the stigma of deathcare workers. These results are examined and directions for future research are offered.

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