SUICIDE

Suicide in the Sociological Perspective



Suicide in the Sociological Perspective

Introduction

In Suicide, Durkheim identifies four main types of suicide, describes their social causes, and identifies characteristics of individuals that make them more or less likely to commit suicide. As previously stated, Durkheim used data from several European nations to perform his analysis. Consequently, he found that suicide rates were relatively consistent across nation-states. “The term suicide is applied to all cases of death resulting directly or indirectly from a positive or negative act of the victim himself, which he knows will produce this result” (Durkheim, 1951). With this definition, Durkheim sought to limit suicidal death as a result of those acts committed intentionally only by the individual. In doing so, he distinguishes between suicidal death and accidental deaths or homicide. Further, Durkheim described four main categories of suicide: egoistic suicide, altruistic suicide, fatalistic suicide, and anomic suicide.

Discussion

In discussing the influence of society on the prevalence of suicide, Durkheim identified two key processes—social integration and moral regulation. By social integration, Durkheim is referring to the development of bonds with other individuals, groups, and/or institutions within society. Integration allows individuals to adopt social norms, values, and goals that serve to embed them in the fabric of society. With moral regulation, Durkheim emphasized the role of traditional social institutions and processes (i.e., marriage, religion, employment) in the regulation of individual behavior (Durkheim, 1997).

Egoistic Suicide

According to Durkheim, some individuals are unable or unwilling to form substantial bonds with other individuals or institutions. They experience very low levels of social integration and cannot adequately adopt social norms, values, and/or goals. Not only are these individuals incapable of assimilating to conventional social groups, but also they often lack the emotional or psychological support that is typically provided by these groups. As a result, individuals who are poorly ...