Mobilities
Volume 13, Issue 5, 2018, Pages 761-775

My own business, not my children’s: negotiating funeral rites and the mobility and communication juncture among Chinese migrants in Melbourne (Article)

Han G.-S.* , Forbes-Mewett H. , Yang Wang W.
  • a School of Media, Film & Journalism, Monash University, Caulfield Campus, Caulfield East, Australia
  • b School Social Sciences, Monash University, Clayton Campus, Clayton, Australia
  • c School of Media, Film & Journalism, Monash University, Caulfield Campus, Caulfield East, Australia

Abstract

The article analyses cross-generational negotiations of funeral rites of Chinese migrants in Melbourne, Australia. It discusses the intersections between migration and death, with reference to the meaning of death and funeral rites linking multiple generations in migrant life. These intersections create a ‘mobility juncture’ to engrain their legacy and communicate across generations. We interviewed 36 Chinese migrants and 5 funeral professionals. Data analysis showed that the participants were open to discussing death, funeral preparation, and pre-purchasing a grave-plot. The socio-economically independent life style in Australia has brought about changes to their perception and preparation of their final journey. Yet, the significance of the grave-site as a point of communication between the past and the present/future remains, naturally leading to active construction of a communication juncture. Strong incentives for preparing their own funeral and burial place included a wish to ease the burden for their children and a lack of confidence in their children’s knowledge and future implementation of diverse Chinese funeral rites. Filial piety and family values remain significant, but they continue to undergo changes in the Australian context. © 2018, © 2018 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Author Keywords

cemetery funeral memorialisation Mobility juncture Filial piety Chinese migrants Ethnic identities

Index Keywords

ethnic group perception Melbourne mobility Victoria [Australia] lifestyle Asian immigrant Australia cultural influence cemetery immigrant population

Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85047276308&doi=10.1080%2f17450101.2018.1471847&partnerID=40&md5=c848de565ecf1bd7e873b1eadbf51793

DOI: 10.1080/17450101.2018.1471847
ISSN: 17450101
Original Language: English