The Role of Taiwan Modern Funeral Director Study

• Main Authors: Chi-chen Chen, 陳繼成
• Other Authors: Fu-Chiuan Shiu
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2003
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/76024470390821233046

碩士 === 南華大學 === 生死學研究所 === 91 === 　　This is the first academic thesis that focuses on the study of funeral director in Taiwan with an attempt to identify the role of funeral director in modern society and to provide the public with a better understanding of those who perform their duties in the last rites. Hopefully, this research would not only help enhance the social status of funeral director but also pave the way for the implementation of certification and training courses of funeral director in the future. 　 　　The theme is being approached according to the following steps: 1. To pin point the definition of a funeral director in modern world by researching the history of funeral service in Taiwan and in other countries. 2. To explore the role of funeral director through reference analysis, on-the-site observation and field interviews. 3. To compare the work of funeral directors both in Taiwan and in the western world. To identify the role of modern funeral director in Taiwan by conducting discussions with funeral directors, the bereaved and authorities concerned and by analyzing their expectation of what a funeral director should be. 4. To probe the issue of how current funeral directors are being trained in Taiwan. 　 　　This research indicates that the work performed by funeral directors in Taiwan, including consultation and follow-up services, is almost identical with that performed by funeral directors in western countries. However, difference exists as far as culture is concerned. Religion definitely plays an important role in the western funeral, which is why the funeral director functions to facilitate the ongoing of religious rites. In Taiwan, the funeral director must possess a full understanding of funeral tradition and custom because he is expected to carry out the duty of interpreting the rites and directing the bereaved during the rites. 　 　　The role of funeral director in Taiwan is based on the understanding of funeral tradition and custom. Consequently, this role is being expanded and elevated toward a social, psychological and educational level. While directing during the progress of the rite, the funeral director is in fact the one that signifies both the inheritance and bequeath of traditional ethical values at the same time. The cultural significance is, therefore, fully demonstrated. 　 　　Due to the deficiency in regular education, the funeral director in Taiwan can only be cultivated through apprenticeship or short-term courses. There is still a long way to go before a professional certification system could be established by the government. 　 　　According to the findings of this research, there are several ways to improve the quality and service of the funeral industry. First of all, it is imperative for the universities of Taiwan to establish department of funeral services for the purpose of cultivating high-quality funeral directors. Vocational schools might set up special sections of learning where students can be trained to become assistants to funeral director. In the meantime, teacher training courses offered by graduate schools would aim to recruit those who have experience in the industry.