Sociololgical and financial aspects of funerals in an urban area: A case study in Takoradi

Abstract

Throughout time people have been concerned with questions regarding life and death, mortality and immortality. So, the disposal of the dead and funeral have been given special attention. This study therefore seeks to find out whether the impression that funerals have more negative than positive effects on the Takoradi community is true or not. The sample for the study was taken from the Takoradi community made up of family heads, bereaved family members, those committees in charge of planning and implementing the funeral and other visitors to the funerals. This study investigated the nature of expenditure for funerals in the Takoradi community, evaluated whether or not there was a break-down of bereaved family ties during and after funerals, examined how funerals influenced relationship among the bereaved family members and investigated whether or not the bereaved children dropped out of school after funerals. It was found out that funerals result in the loss of wealth for the bereaved family, and also the funerals in Takoradi are relatively expensive. To some extent the role of integrating and disintegrating relationships in the bereaved families takes place during funerals. Sometimes the celebration of funerals could result in the family members being unable to pay school fees for their children and the deceased children. It was also realised that people spent so much time and money on funerals because others are doing the same. So, in conclusion the study revealed that funerals have more negative than positive effects on the people of the Takoradi community.