Reframing Death: Occupational Legitimacy and the Client-Driven Professionalization of End-of-Life Doulas

• In Event: 50220 - Section on Organizations, Occupations, and Work Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 22: Emotional Labor

Abstract

The professionalization of lifestyle work and care-related occupations, such as life coaching, personal concierge services, and end-of-life (EOL) doulas, represents a significant shift in occupational professionalization. While emerging research explores professionalism and professionalization in neo-professions, these occupations are largely separated from organizational work settings, unlike end-of-life doulas. Research on new professionalization also extends into deathcare, examining spiritual healers, chaplains, and EOL doula trainers connected to credentialing organizations such as the International End-of-Life Doula Association (INELDA) and the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA). What is missing from the study of professionalization in end-of-life care is an exploration of professionalization projects at the micro level, specifically from the perspectives of EOL doulas and their day-to-day working experiences. Professionalization scholarship encourages research in contexts that explore how professionalization occurs through client interactions. Utilizing Salman’s client professionalization typology (2019), this paper explores how 23 EOL doulas working and living in the U.S. establish occupational legitimacy through professional rhetoric, differentiation from similar deathcare occupations, and expertise informed by client relationships and cumulative experience.

Authors

• Sarah B. Donley, Jacksonville State University

• Casey Fanin, Jacksonville State University