Global Digital Death and Glocal Dying: Theoretical Challenges and Possible Research Directions

Abstract: This paper discusses the possibilities of using theories of glocalisation for understanding national differences in death ways, in times when global digital technologies play a growing role in how individuals and societies respond to severe crises. How people approach death is influenced by personal needs and values, unfolding within a thick framework of significance. Romania is a revealing example: what it is locally relevant is not unproblematically linked to a global pattern. After exploring the literature, we identify and discuss three key-directions of research that may be of help in further debates: 1. glocalisation of lived death practices and meanings; 2. glocalisation of death studies agendas; 3. the theoretical relevance of glocalism for understanding fundamental human experiences (we suggest a social phenomenological approach).

Keywords: death studies, glocal studies, digital technologies, global consciousness, Romania.