Suicide

Suicide by Émile Durkheim is a foundational text in sociology, exploring the social factors that contribute to the act of suicide. Durkheim examines various types of suicide, including egoistic, altruistic, anomic, and fatalistic, and presents a rigorous analysis of how societal structures, religious beliefs, and economic changes influence individual behavior.

Why read this book

• It is a pioneering sociological study on a sensitive subject.
• Offers insight into how societal forces affect individual actions.
• Provides a framework for understanding social integration and regulation.
• Durkheim's typology of suicide provides a structured way to analyze and categorize different motivations behind suicide, enhancing understanding of human behavior.
• The book contextualizes suicide within the societal changes of the late 19th century, illustrating how industrialization and modernization impact mental health.
• Insights from the book can inform public health policies and mental health interventions aimed at reducing suicide rates.
• Durkheim employs extensive statistical analysis, offering a model for future sociological research.
• The book serves as a cornerstone for students and scholars interested in sociology, psychology, and public health, encouraging exploration of related topics.

About the Author

Émile Durkheim was a French sociologist and one of the principal architects of modern social science. His work established sociology as a discipline distinct from philosophy and psychology. Durkheim’s major contributions include his theories on social cohesion, education, religion, and deviance. He emphasized the importance of social facts and collective consciousness in shaping human behavior. "Suicide" remains one of his most influential works, showcasing his ability to link individual actions with broader social phenomena.