The Value of the Dead: The Commodification of Corpses in Western Culture

Publication Date

5-1-2018

Authors

Charles Z. Wallace, University of New Hampshire, Durham

Abstract

Since the 19th century, the deceased human body and its parts have been increasingly dehumanized, objectified, and commodified in Western culture. Thus, in a relatively short period of time, the corpse became, and continues to be, a highly valuable source of both economic and cultural capital for scientific and medical researchers, numerous industries, and much of society.

Recommended Citation

Wallace, Charles Z. (2018) "The Value of the Dead: The Commodification of Corpses in Western Culture," Spectrum: Vol. 7: Iss. 1, Article 8.
Available at: https://scholars.unh.edu/spectrum/vol7/iss1/8