Dying Alone Chapter 1 Analysis

Chapter 1: Dying Alone: The Social Production of Isolation Living alone, being isolated, being reclusive, and being lonely are four separate conditions: Living Alone – Residing without other people in the household Being Isolated – Having limited social contact or ties Being Reclusive – Confining oneself to the household Being Lonely – The subjective state of feeling alone regardless of whether you are by yourself or around other people

HEAT WAVE is a book about the weather and social living conditions that were present in Chicago, Illinois, on July 14, 1995. Chapter 1 focuses on the issue of a “good death” – what Americans perceive as a healthy lifestyle that leads to a comforting end. In this chapter, the life of Joseph Laczko is examined.

City Hall needs to deflect criticisms and become more accountable. Image is not more important than action.

Chapter 5: The Spectacular City News Organizations and the Representation of Catastrophy

This chapter focuses on the reframing of the news and information about the heat wave. Writer Phyllis Kaniss noted that journalists are reluctant to criticize a source that has provided them with information in the past. Often the fascination with getting a story takes precedence over criticizing those who could help, but don’t.

Klinenberg mentions, “by the summer of 1999, Chicago was better prepared for the heat, pamphlets about heat risks were everywhere in the city and the media provided accurate health warnings.” (Klinenberg 4505 of 7026) The Department of Public Health developed a system for coordinating emergency medical services and the Department on Aging expanded its network of isolated seniors, educating participants about seasonal survival strategies.

This book shows the importance of tending to our aging population, particularly those who live alone, like Joseph