Question

Two types of statistical data can be used to illustrate changes in encounters with death in American society: death rates and average life expectancy. How have these sets of data changed over the last hundred years in the U.S.? How have these changes affected your encounters with death, dying, and bereavement?

Answer 1

There are two methods to analyze data on death rates and average life expectancy in the US. The quantitative data and qualitative data provides detailed information about the sociological perspectives.

We can use demographic and health statistics to estimate the life expectancy and death rate in America, the demographic data is being used for more than 100 years while health data is being used as secondary data to verify the quantitative research.

As we know, America is an industrialized nation and per capita income is more than $60,200 but still, the life expectancy of an average American is lower than in many developing countries. More than one-third population experiencing obesity and cardiovascular diseases. An average American spends more than 10,000 annually for health care. The health expenditure is $ 3.2 trillion, almost 17 % of its GDP.

The data has changed many times in the last 100 years to provide a more effective way of estimation, health statistics included different variables while demographic statistics include age group, race, cross-cultural approach, etc.

In my opinion, for 100 years, things have been changed, migration changed the demography of the country, economic development increased the public expenditure in the health sector, people are living a good life but not healthful so life expectancy is still not in favor of country’s economic structure. Modern American society is depending on machines and technology which made them less productive.