11/01/2023
Emile Durkheim was a French sociologist who is best known for his work on the study of su***de. In his book "Su***de," published in 1897, Durkheim analyzed the social factors that contribute to su***de and argued that it is not simply a personal problem, but rather a social phenomenon that is influenced by the relationships and norms within a society.
Durkheim identified four types of su***de: egoistic, altruistic, anomic, and fatalistic. Egoistic su***de occurs when an individual lacks social integration, or a sense of belonging within a community. Altruistic su***de occurs when an individual has too strong of a sense of integration and obligation to the group, such as in cases of self-sacrifice. Anomic su***de occurs in the absence of social regulation, when individuals feel a lack of direction and purpose in their lives. Fatalistic su***de occurs when an individual is overwhelmed by a sense of powerlessness and despair.
argued that su***de rates are higher in societies with weaker social bonds, and that social integration is an important factor in preventing su***de. He also argued that social norms and values play a role in shaping su***de rates, and that certain cultural and religious beliefs may influence whether su***de is considered acceptable or taboo.
Egoistic su***de: This type of su***de occurs when an individual lacks social integration, or a sense of belonging within a community. People who feel isolated or disconnected from others may be more likely to commit su***de.
Altruistic su***de: This type of su***de occurs when an individual has too strong of a sense of integration and obligation to the group, such as in cases of self-sacrifice. Examples of altruistic su***de might include soldiers who sacrifice themselves for their country, or people who commit su***de to spare their loved ones from suffering.
Anomic su***de: This type of su***de occurs in the absence of social regulation, when individuals feel a lack of direction and purpose in their lives. Anomic su***de is often associated with times of social or economic upheaval, when individuals feel uncertain about their place in the world.
Fatalistic su***de: This type of su***de occurs when an individual is overwhelmed by a sense of powerlessness and despair. Fatalistic su***de is often associated with oppressive conditions, such as slavery or extreme poverty, in which individuals feel that their lives have no value or purpose.
"Su***de is an act of defense of the normal ego against psychosis" (Freud, June 6, 1907)
According to , the ego represents the part of the psyche that mediates between the id, which represents our primal desires and drives, and the superego, which represents our moral and ethical values. When the ego is overwhelmed by either the id or the superego, it can lead to psychological distress and potentially even psychosis. In this context, su***de could be seen as a way for the ego to defend itself against overwhelming psychological pressures, whether they come from within the individual or from external sources.
In this way, both Durkheim's and Freud's theories recognize the importance of social and psychological factors in understanding and preventing su***de. While Durkheim focuses on the social causes of su***de, Freud's theory highlights the role of the individual's psyche in determining their risk of su***de.
"The ego is the product of the subject's alienating relationship to language, which forces the subject to become a subject of the signifier." -
This quote suggests that the ego, or sense of self, is shaped by the subject's relationship to language and communication with others. According to Lacan, the subject's sense of self is not fixed or stable, but rather is shaped by the way they are represented and recognized by others through language.
This idea is related to Durkheim's theory of su***de, as both recognize the importance of social bonds and relationships for a person's psychological well-being. A lack of social connections can contribute to feelings of isolation and despair, which are risk factors for su***de.
Ultimately, it is important to recognize that ***de is a complex issue with many potential causes, and it is often the result of a combination of social, psychological, and personal factors. It is always a tragedy when someone feels that they have no other option but to take their own life, and it is important for us as a society to do everything we can to prevent such tragedies from occurring.
