Changes in the Perception of Cemeteries as Public Spaces – Swiss Cemetery Visitors From 2002 to 2021.
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| Title: | Changes in the Perception of Cemeteries as Public Spaces – Swiss Cemetery Visitors From 2002 to 2021. |
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| Authors: | Klingemann, Harald1 (AUTHOR) Harald.Klingemann@bfh.ch |
| Source: | Omega: Journal of Death & Dying. Jun2026, Vol. 93 Issue 2, p1331-1353. 23p. |
| Subject Terms: | *Culture, *Decision making, *Motivation (Psychology), *Leisure, Pearson correlation (Statistics), Debate, Secondary analysis, Research funding, Statistical sampling, Interviewing, Public opinion, Descriptive statistics, Public spaces, Interment |
| Geographic Terms: | Switzerland |
| Abstract: | Background: A process of "emptying" can be observed in Swiss cemeteries. Urn burials are increasingly preferred to traditional interments, requiring much less space. Consequently, cemeteries are gradually transforming into park-like areas, triggering debates about proactive ways to use them as public spaces, rather than mourning sites. Objectives and Method: The study presented here probes for changes in the public perception of Bern cemeteries during the last two decades. The long-term analysis is based on a secondary analysis of interviews with 383 cemetery visitors in 2002 and a representative survey among 519 inhabitants of the city of Bern. Results: Tolerance for alternative land use increased further: Motivations for cemetery visits have shifted with a decline from 80% who mentioned 'grave visit' to 63% in 2021; 'leisurely walk' increased from 63% to 83%. High satisfaction with what cemeteries have to offer is mirrored in high values for perceived restorativeness in 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Omega: Journal of Death & Dying is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Education Research Complete |
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| Abstract: | Background: A process of "emptying" can be observed in Swiss cemeteries. Urn burials are increasingly preferred to traditional interments, requiring much less space. Consequently, cemeteries are gradually transforming into park-like areas, triggering debates about proactive ways to use them as public spaces, rather than mourning sites. Objectives and Method: The study presented here probes for changes in the public perception of Bern cemeteries during the last two decades. The long-term analysis is based on a secondary analysis of interviews with 383 cemetery visitors in 2002 and a representative survey among 519 inhabitants of the city of Bern. Results: Tolerance for alternative land use increased further: Motivations for cemetery visits have shifted with a decline from 80% who mentioned 'grave visit' to 63% in 2021; 'leisurely walk' increased from 63% to 83%. High satisfaction with what cemeteries have to offer is mirrored in high values for perceived restorativeness in 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 00302228 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/00302228241263133 |
