Operationalizing intersectionality as a framework in qualitative grief research.

The field of thanatology emphasizes understanding grief as situated within social contexts. Yet, existing research largely examines individual experiences, neglecting to critically examine the role that sociocultural systems and forms of oppression play in how people grieve. In this manuscript, we use the social constructionist model of grief as an epistemological stepping stone to operationalize intersectionality as a framework to engage in this critical qualitative research. We provide an overview of the research process implementing an intersectional framework, including examples of research questions and procedures throughout, and discuss implications for helping praxis and education and future scholarship.

Musical mourning in Manchester: Cultural norms, expectations, and meaning in grief.

Grief is a culturally-situated praxis, where cultural phenomena convey norms and expectations for grief expression and reconciliation. Music is one example of a cultural phenomenon that can inform grief and mourning. Utilizing narrative thematic analysis, the author examined cultural messages within music lyrics of 36 songs performed at the One Love Manchester 2017 benefit concert. Four themes-emotional expression, active mourning, expectations, and meaning-making-are presented as a poem to reflect the creative form and delivery of music. Findings indicated conflicting emotional and behavioral grief expressions, and time was an influential factor in expectations and meaning-making processes conveyed throughout lyrics.