Religio-Cultural Framings on Death Among the Igbo

Abstract

This paper analyses the stereotypes associated with the causes of death among the Igbo. Using phenomenological method, data was collected from participant observation and secondary documents. The data obtained were subsequently analysed using thematic analytical approach. This study negotiated the construct of blame-game as the driving motivation for locating the cause of death. Conversations on the causes of death are revolving around the variables of ignorance, poor medication, poverty etc. This study focuses on the religio-cultural framings of causes of death among the Igbo.  Drawing from the theory of blame-game, the study provided evidence that superstition expressed through scapegoating principle explains ways in which the Igbo interpret the cause of death. This study adds to the discourse in which blame-game interject in the natural causes of death.