The tendency to cremate more is associated with which demographic characteristics?

The tendency to cremate more is most closely associated with individuals who are educated and older due to several societal trends and attitudes towards death and funeral practices. Education often correlates with exposure to various cultural beliefs and values, including more progressive views on death and dying. Higher education levels can lead to increased acceptance of cremation as a viable and respectful alternative to traditional burial.

Additionally, older demographics tend to show a preference for cremation due to practical considerations such as financial constraints, lifestyle changes, and existential reflections on mortality that can come with age. This group may also seek to simplify funeral arrangements and prefer less conventional methods of handling remains, aligning with broader trends toward cremation.

In contrast, younger individuals may not be as likely to choose cremation as their preference can vary drastically depending on cultural, religious, and familial influences. Similarly, those with lower education levels might adhere more closely to traditional practices, which often favor burial over cremation due to historical or cultural reasons. As a result, the combination of being both educated and older tends to lead to a higher likelihood of choosing cremation as a final disposition method.