Understanding Death and Grief in the Context of Pandemics — Challenges and Support in Response to COVID-19

Abstract

This article presents a preliminary inquiry into the impacts of COVID-19 on death, dying and bereavement. Adopting a sociological lens, this inquiry explores how social norms and values have shaped and been shaped by experiences of loss and grief amid COVID-19 outbreak. By examining relevant media and academic discourses, the author critically analyses the challenges confronted by those experiencing dying and grieving during this pandemic, and further envisages needs for better bereavement support moving forward. It finds that both individuals and collectives express diverse needs in response to COVID-19 related loss and grief. This highlights grief as a process of meaning-making, emphasising the importance of timely, holistic and continuous support. Further, the significance of socio-cultural environments also become evident. Ultimately, this article explores avenues for further developing bereavement support.