Attitudes Towards Death and Dying

• In Event: Law, Courts, and Public Perspectives on Crime, Punishment, and Justice

Abstract

The current paper seeks to understand contradictory attitudes towards death. Using 50 years of historical General Social Survey (GSS) data, there is clear evidence that a large portion of individuals are in favor of the death penalty, while at the same time, opposed to assisted suicide for the terminally ill. It is apparent from the data that there is a general acceptance for state-sanctioned death in what has been contended as an inhumane process. However, these same individuals are opposed to a humane death for those who will likely suffer a slow and painful death through terminal illness. The current study uses the GSS data to understand various correlates related to those who hold this contradictory attitude towards death, and also analyzes qualitative survey responses from students at a small liberal arts university to attempt to understand the belief in the distinction between these two forms of death. Initial findings reveal a sense of retribution towards the offenders facing the death penalty, while at the same time, a value of life and the natural death process for those with terminal illnesses.

Authors

• Katie Knoll-Frey, John Carroll University

• Tye Ross, John Carroll University