Is Grief a Women's Room?

Is Grief a Women's Room? This book begins by reflecting on biblical and historical conceptions of the role of women in bereavement. The authors offer something of an initial analysis of that which we all bring to the bereaved and something of that which women in particular are able to offer. These conceptions are broadened by an analysis of seven narratives provided by our informants. We are able to indicate a critique of the well known paradigm of grief offered by Kubler-Ross and to some extent that provided by the Stroebes. Given the significance our informants attached to support from the church community and the number of funerals priests will be asked to take, our textual analysis of the on-line published prospectuses highlights a singular lack of specific coverage of funerals and compassion for the bereaved. We recommend that those who are comforting the bereaved might see support of them as parish work. In reaching this conclusion, the authors draw on strands of practical theology and feminist theology.