In the twentieth century, monuments have become smaller in size, with less decoration. This reflects a simpler approach to remembering the dead. Rookwood is the size of a suburb , and reflects social diversity just like any suburb of the living. Class distinctions are often perpetuated in headstone designs. While the rich could afford ornate monuments, the lower classes may have had a simple headstone or no monument at all.
Headstones can reveal a lot about the deceased.
Sometimes they illustrate the occupation of the deceased. A fireman's hat, a tram, a wheel and cogs, and ferries can all be seen carved on the headstones in Rookwood. Gravestones also illustrate the influx of European migrants, who have brought their traditional burial customs to Australia. The Russian Orthodox community is well represented in the cemetery. Their headstones usually feature the Orthodox cross.