In January of this year, the Estonian Research Council-funded research project PRG2623 “ARS MORIENDI ESTONIA 2030: A medical anthropological and linguistic study to increase knowledge related to the end of life and death” began. The project is being carried out by the Institute of Cultural Studies of the Faculty of Humanities and Arts of the University of Tartu and the responsible executor is medical anthropologist Piret Paal. Folklorists, historians of religion, linguists and representatives of the fields of social medicine participate in this interdisciplinary project.
The aim of the five-year project is to raise public awareness regarding topics related to the end of life and death, combining methods from medical anthropology and linguistics. The study will map the attitudes, understandings and cultural narratives of Estonians that shape the approach to the end of life and death in contemporary Estonia. Special attention will be paid to practices related to social welfare and healthcare services, as well as to language use and public communication related to death.
“End-of-life issues are often taboo and remain undiscussed in many societies. Our aim is to bring this important topic to public debate through scientific analysis and to offer practical recommendations to both the general public and professionals working in the fields of health and social care,” commented Piret Paal.
Projekti raames uuritakse ka osavõtlike kogukondade (compassionate communitiesThe project also explores the concept of compassionate communities, which focuses on developing the capacity of communities to support people facing life-limiting illnesses, aging, grief and loss, or long-term care. Compassionate communities create social networks, policies, and behavioral patterns that help support people during these difficult periods.
The project offers science-based solutions that support the development of a more caring and informed society. The results of the study will be published in several scientific journals, but they are also planned to be disseminated to a wider audience through activities such as information campaigns. By the end of the project, it is hoped to contribute to the enrichment of Estonian cultural and healthcare discourse and to promote an open and supportive attitude towards end-of-life and death-related topics.
If you would like more information or cooperation with the project, please contact the Institute of Cultural Studies, University of Tartu.
More information is also available at ETIS.
Rohkem infot ka ETIS-es.
