Publication: Grave affairs: A comparative study of Protestant and Islamic deathcare businesses in Berlin
Loading...
Type
Thesis
Degree
BA
Date
2025
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Published Version
Abstract
This thesis explores Islamic and Protestant deathcare businesses in Berlin,
specifically focusing on how their religious denominations influence their services
and the struggles that they face. This topic is looked at through a mixed
embeddedness theoretical framework which is introduced in the literature review
and considers both the institutional guidelines that the businesses must consider,
and the resources generated through their community structures. Employing a
qualitative methodology, semi structured interviews explore the practices of four
funeral homes in Berlin, two aligned with each faith.
The findings of these interviews reveal the difference in systemic barriers that
Islamic funerary services face when compared with Protestant ones, deriving from
differences of traditional Islamic practices with Berlin’s historically Protestant
aligned legislation. Previous legal adjustments, such as allowing shroud burials,
have helped to bridge this gap. However, persisting challenges such as mandatory
waiting times and restricted use remain as systemic barriers for Islamic providers.
These businesses make use of their community networks and cater to niche market
requirements to remain competitive. In contrast, Protestant and secular service
providers can benefit from historical origins, legislative alignment and explore
easily accessible business opportunities for broader market access.
Ultimately, the following thesis determines that Berlin’s legislature should adapt to
the needs of an established segment of its population to ensure equitable access and
further integration for minority entrepreneurship. Such a state-level movement
towards removing regulatory barriers would foster a more inclusive deathcare
sector, reflective of Berlin’s multicultural nature.