The evolution of obituaries in ‘Dagens Nyheter’

Abstract: This thesis aims to study obituaries in the Swedish newspaper 'Dagens Nyheter'. Newspapers are gathered from the years 1865 to 2010 with a 5-year interval and then categorized based on similarities between the issues. By approaching these categories with eye-tracking research and previous research on the cultural importance of obituaries, conclusions on the content, layout, and usage can be drawn. It finds that the content of obituaries was originally based on religion and remained homogeneous, but secularization has altered their meaning as they become more personalized. The advantageous layout throughout this time shows a prioritization of obituaries as relevant information. Findings also suggest that high-ranking members of a community are given more attention throughout the studied period. Finally, the usage of obituaries stays practical, informing people about the deceased. However, later additions change the readers' experience as readers of contemporary obituaries are able to connect to the deceased by mourning, sympathizing, and considering their own legacy.