Sociocultural Experiences of Bereavement Following Fatal Road Traffic Accidents for Urban Black South Africans

Abstract

This study focuses on exploring the sociocultural impact of fatal road traffic accidents (RTAs) by examining the narratives of bereavement experiences constructed and interpreted by individuals. While studies on RTAs have mainly focused on statistical analysis and prevalence, there is a lack of research examining the sociocultural impact of RTAs. This research aims to enhance the understanding of social operations that underlie road accidents and broaden the lens of exploring the phenomenon of RTA fatalities. By exploring grief practices, the implicit cost, and the role played by society and culture in shaping these narratives, the study seeks to inform greater awareness of the impact of RTAs on individuals and communities. Eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals who had experienced a bereavement occurring over a year ago. The interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically. From the analysis, three key themes emerged: culture, gendered mourning, and the influence of location, societal expectations, and labels. The findings indicate that the transformation in meaning during the bereavement process following fatal road traffic accidents was linked to the unnaturalness and suddenness of the loss, which were perceived as protective for families and communities. These variations in grief expression were informed by gender identities and the challenges of mourning, which were shaped by societal expectations regarding location, adherence to grieving practices, and the process of reintegrating into personal and communal spheres after the loss.