Durkhiem

Suicide.
Durkheim Theory





By Adrian Hunter

Introduction

Within all social realms the notation of suicide exists and the manner in understanding the causes and effects and the implications of the act have been debated over a long period of time. Emile Durkheim, a social theorist from the 19th and early 20th century developed the notion that social factors are the fundamental causes of suicidal thoughts, attempts and actual death. Durkheim conceptual analysis of suicide alludes to social influences on the individual and the forces within society that compel an individual to such an act of self-destruction. Durkheim’s theologies on suicidal behavioural patterns were distinct from the norm of his time where the focus was on the psychological state of mind of an individual.

The purpose of this report will be to discuss how Durkhiem arrived to the conclusion that social factors not psychological factors explain the rate of suicide. To formulate this discussion the re...