Abstract:
This research is an exploratory inquiry, intended to comparatively study and understand the
differences in experiences and perceptions of death and dying, and the manner in which these
differences manifest themselves in the individual’s social life. The research explores i) the
variations in experiences and perceptions of death of individuals, ii) the rationalizations
that these individuals employ to cope with death, iii) the various underlying meanings and
symbols attached with death. The researcher has situated this inquiry in the twin cities of
Islamabad and Rawalpindi, and specific sites within this area, including a hospital, an old age
home, a graveyard, a Rescue 1122 center, a shrine, and a university. A number of qualitative
techniques and tools have been employed to collect data, including the use of key informants,
focused group discussions, in-depth interviews and field notes. The sample of respondents has
been purposively selected from each of the specific sites mentioned above. The study produced
comprehensive knowledge about the concept of death and dying as understood by the individual,
and the impacts that this understanding has on the social life of the individual.
