DEATH MATTERS: A STUDY ON THE PERCEPTION OF DEATH AND END-OF-LIFE PLANNING AMONGST SINGAPOREAN YOUTHS

Abstract

Death has long been considered as a distant concept for the youth. However, upon closer examination, Singaporean youths demonstrated that they are as equally concerned about death and dying, as are the elderly. This thesis examines deathscapes as a form of meaning-making process, highlighting the convergence and divergence between the meanings given to death. In viewing ‘good death’ as one that encompasses open conversation and planning ahead, this thesis developed an End-of-life Planning Typology Framework, where different forms of plans are categorized into 3 distinct types, namely (1) Proper Planning, (2) “Deviant” Planning, and (3) Non-planning. This framework can help one in understanding the social and cultural circumstances that influences the end-of-life decision-making process.