It remains relatively rare for the education, research, and practice of Social Work to cover the topics of dying, death, and funerals. This planned bachelor’s project studies these very issues and examines their relevance to Social Work practice. Key research areas include the needs of marginalized groups and their access to dignified and culturally appropriate forms of burial. The aim is to identify alternative and inclusive funeral practices and to develop strategies that help dismantle social, cultural, and economic barriers. In addition, the project explores whether and how the funeral profession could be more strongly recognized and developed as a social profession – thereby establishing professional support and guidance during processes of farewell and mourning as an integral part of Social Work.

Lastly, the project will address the role of Social Work in supporting grief processes, promoting societal recognition of diverse mourning cultures, and helping to destigmatize death and dying – and thereby strengthen justice and participation at the end of life.