According to David Sudnow's study on death notification, how is notification typically patterned?

David Sudnow's study on death notification highlights that the process typically follows a pattern that begins with immediate family members and extends outward to the wider community. This hierarchical approach reflects the close ties and emotional bonds that family members share, making them the first group to receive the news. They are often considered the primary recipients of the information due to their intimate connection to the deceased.

Once the immediate family has been notified and has processed the initial shock of the news, the information is passed to relatives and friends in broader circles. This sequence emphasizes the importance of familial relationships in the grieving process and the role of immediate family as key informants in the communication of the death. Sudnow's research underscores how this structured notification system allow families to support each other during difficult times, ensuring that those who were closest to the deceased are the first to receive tailored support and understanding before the news spreads further out to acquaintances and the community at large.