Using Sensitizing Concepts in Grounded Theory Research: The Case of Cremation Practices in Western Societies

Cremation is currently the most widespread form of managing the body after death in many countries: as such, it is an expression of profound changes in the cultural and symbolic dimensions of contemporary societies. The aim of this article is twofold: the first one is to describe some of the main trends regarding the phenomenon of cremation in Western societies and, in particular, its rapid increase as a choice; the other one is to give an account on the process of constructing a qualitative research design aimed at grasping the social and cultural dynamics that are at the basis of the increasing popularity of the choice of cremation. Starting from the field research experience that the author carried out, this essay is mainly devoted to proposing and discussing the role of some sensitizing concepts to plan and start a qualitative research process on the practice of cremation. Academic journals usually publish the results of already-concluded empirical research; however, very few articles are devoted to the initial moments of qualitative research, particularly those connected to the construction of a conceptual framework within which the subsequent empirical steps will be developed. Two sensitizing concepts are presented as conceptual tools that are considered useful to understand the vocabulary of motives sensitizing individuals to this choice: ‘symbolic ambivalence’ and ‘identity work’. After discussing why these two concepts can be adopted as ‘sensitizing concepts’ in such an empirical endeavor, the author discusses methodological implications from these conceptual references to advance empirical processes.