Life is More than a Survey: Understanding Attitudes toward Euthanasia in Japan

Theoretical Medicine and Bioethics 23 (4-5):305-319 (2002)
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Abstract

Empirical studies in bioethics, as well asclinical experience, demonstrate the existenceof inter- and intra-cultural diversity invalues and perspectives on end-of-life issues. This paper argues that while survey researchcan describe such diversity, explaining itrequires ethnographic methodology that allowsordinary people to frame the discussion intheir own terms. This study of attitudestoward euthanasia in Japan found that peopleface conflicts between deeply held values suchas life versus pain, self versus other, andburden versus self-reliance that make itdifficult to rely on a ``rational person''''approach to decision-making. An inductiveethnographic approach grounded in people''s lifeexperiences can indicate the reasons forvariation in responses to surveys, and canclarify the nature of ethical conflict in aparticular cultural setting.

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Sarah Long
Grant MacEwan Community College

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References found in this work

Japanese Religious Organizations' View on Terminal Care.Noritoshi Tanida - 2000 - Eubios Journal of Asian and International Bioethics 10 (2):34-36.
Japanese Attitudes Toward Euthanasia In Hypothetical Clinical Situations.Noritoshi Tanida - 1998 - Eubios Journal of Asian and International Bioethics 8 (5):138-141.
Buddhism and Bioethics. [REVIEW]Leslie Rezac & Damien Keown - 1998 - Hastings Center Report 28 (1):41.

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