As the world evolves, family dynamics also change, leading to a blending of traditions and beliefs. This merging influences modern families in how they honor their deceased loved ones. Funeral professionals should adapt to this shifting landscape by working on new perspectives and building trust with culturally diverse families.
Related: Diversity and Inclusion in Funeral Service
Understanding diversity and cultural practices
Understanding the psychology of diversity can enhance the funeral service’s embrace of diversity and inclusion. It will help offer grieving families from all backgrounds a meaningful and respectful experience.
Diversity is about recognizing and including individuals from all social and ethnic groups, such as race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, social class, disability, and political beliefs. The psychology of diversity studies these differences to help understand people’s feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Recognizing and valuing cultural and societal variations is essential in a diverse country like the United States.
Segregation and racism in funeral services
The United States death care industry has a long history of racial segregation, dating back to the early days of slavery. African Americans were not permitted to mourn their dead collectively out of fear they might seize the opportunity of a gathering to plot rebellions. “It shall not be lawful for more than five male slaves, either with or without passes, to assemble at any place off the proper plantation to which they belong.” (Alabama Slave Code, 1833, National Museum of African American History and Culture)
U.S. governments passed laws to prevent gatherings, such as the Negro Act of 1740 in South Carolina, stopping all-black assemblies. Later, the Jim Crow laws banned blacks and whites from meeting, subsequently enforcing segregation.
Some enslavers permitted church attendance. However, many enslaved African Americans worshipped in secret at hush harbors or invisible churches. These hidden places were secluded in woods, ravines, or gullies. Somewhere, there was plenty of thicket for cover. If caught, they risked severe punishment.
After the American Civil War ended in 1865, white churches supported racial segregation, forcing Black African Americans to establish their own place of worship.
Black funeral homes
Ethnic identity is often expressed through religion. It frequently ties religious beliefs to a community’s cultural practices and traditions, including funeral customs.
After the Civil War, African American communities and churches played a crucial role in funeral homes becoming a vital business within the black community. Due to the large number of casualties during the war, African American men were allowed to train as embalmers, which helped pave the way into the death care industry.
Combining the necessary skills to become funeral professionals and the ban on using white funeral homes created an opportunity to start black-operated funeral services.
Understanding culturally diverse families
Black Americans are not the only culture to establish a funeral home owned by specific ethnic groups. Other unofficial specialist services include Jewish, Asian, and Muslim-owned funeral homes in the United States. Funeral providers relating to a family’s unique religious and cultural needs tend to attract like-minded clients.
Culturally diverse families come in all types and sizes. Understanding their makeup is essential for building trust and providing support. Funeral professionals must put their personal beliefs aside to offer the best service to a variety of grieving families.
Multicultural families
In the 2020 Census, the multiracial population in the United States had increased from nine million to 33.8 million between 2010 and 2020. When couples from different nationalities join, they form a multicultural family. Often, they bring together different languages, cultures, and traditions. When a family member dies, planning a funeral service can spark conflict among extended family, who may have differing ideas of how the funeral should proceed.
Blended families
A blended family is a unity of two families. It may include the couple and any children from previous relationships. Blended families can be larger than traditional families. When more family members are involved, there’s a greater chance of differing opinions, especially if adult children have strong views to contribute.
LGBTQ+ families
LGBTQ+ people frequently encounter prejudice and discrimination when planning funerals. They may face the fear of not being recognized for their identity. Some worry that parents who have not accepted them might try to control the arrangements and disregard their wishes. This concern intensifies if they are estranged from the family.
Members of LGBTQ+ communities often face discrimination by healthcare providers, family isolation, or anticipating bias during medical care and end-of-life. These experiences filter into worries over funeral directors not treating them equally with respect and dignity as allotted to other members of society.
Open communication in the funeral industry
Diversity and inclusion should be core values in the funeral industry. Avoiding assumptions about family roles and communicating respectfully and transparently can help build trust with families.
Recognizing each relationship as unique and involving everyone in planning helps individuals feel valued. Inviting loved ones to share stories fosters a sense of inclusivity. Once funeral directors understand the specific needs and preferences, they can explain the funeral options available to meet their family’s religious and cultural needs.
Flexibility and adaptability for inclusive practices
Flexibility and adaptability help provide inclusive practices and overcome the challenges of accommodating diverse grieving practices.
- Being flexible with time, taking longer to communicate clearly and valuing individual preferences can help people feel more comfortable.
- Some family members may not understand English. However, a certified translator can bridge the language barrier and assure individuals that the information is accurate and respectful.
- Creating an inclusive environment ensuring the funeral home and memorial venue are accessible to those with disabilities, will help them feel respected.
- Access to a varied network of suppliers and partners is a valuable asset. It gives funeral directors a broader scope to tailor services of various faiths and non-religious funerals. Choices honoring the deceased’s wishes might be a green burial, an intimate memorial service, or a traditional funeral.
Continuous education for funeral professionals
Funeral professionals can improve their cultural awareness through continuous training in diversity and inclusion. They can better serve diverse families by staying updated on best practices and industry trends. Training programs with case studies could help employees confront their biases and ethical reasons.
Funeral professionals must remain receptive and adaptable to meet the changing needs of communities while continually building trust with culturally diverse families.
