Speaking to and theorizing about the dead in a postmodern world: an autoethnographic possibility?

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper to start a conversation on the possibility of future research on afterlife communication in the communication field.

Design/methodology/approach

The author utilizes autoethnography, a method that blends ethnographic observation with the writing of personal narrative.

Findings

The author proposes a research agenda for communication scholars to explore the complexity of family stories about postdeath contact.

Originality/value

The author discusses how utilizing interpersonal communication theories to study relationships with the dead can help researchers understand impact how, when, and if stories of postdeath contact are told.

Citation

Paxton, B. (2017), "Speaking to and theorizing about the dead in a postmodern world: an autoethnographic possibility?", Qualitative Research Journal, Vol. 17 No. 1, pp. 20-31. https://doi.org/10.1108/QRJ-01-2016-0005