The Social Effects Of Suicide As A Social Impact On Society

Suicide

Introduction

Despite the assumption that suicide is an individualistic act committed by one person, suicide is actually a process of deterioration within a larger social context. The act itself has adapted over time in a variety of cultural groups and situations, not only in the methods used to commit suicide, but also the impact it has on society and the attitudes society has towards it (Curra 2011). This essay will critically evaluate the act of suicide through defining its deviances, social impact and management as well as apply social theories to better comprehend the act and make recommendations to control and limit its use. By conducting this project, it will allow us to better understand what drives individuals to commit this act, and the social meanings it represents.

Definitions

Although there is no universal definition of suicide, the act is defined by the World Health Organisation as ‘an act deliberately initiated and performed by a person in the full knowledge or expectation of its fatal outcome’ (OECD 2009).

Suicide is highly condemned within western societies, with many countries labelling the act as “deviant”. However, these beliefs are not shared universally, as in countries such as India, China and Japan the act was for a period of time accepting and

One significant impact is gender, specifically society’s attitude towards gender. Work by Canetto (2008) illustrates this point, explaining how depending on a culture’s gender patterns influences the reaction/impact an individual’s death has on that society. For example, suicide in China is considered an act of weakness so society does not judge a woman who commits this act as harshly as if a man were to. Additionally, suicide in the United States is considered a masculine act so men are not judged by society to the same degree women are (Canetto