Page 106 - DSOC401_SOCIOLOGICAL_THOUGHT_ENGLISH

Sociological Thought Sukanya Das, Lovely Professional University

notes unit-16: theory of suicide

contents
Objectives
Introduction

16.1 Subject Matter
16.2 Summary
16.3 Keywords
16.4 Review Questions
16.5 Further Readings

objectives

After studying this unit, the students will be able to:
y Know scientific description of the subject of suicide,
y Know the causes of suicide,
y Know the social factors of suicide,
y Understand the types of suicide.

introduction

Durkheim, after his second book, for analysing suicide, its types and its causes, wrote a very intellectual
creation “Le Suicide” which was published in the year 1897. This creation of Durkheim was published
two years after his second book. In this book along with types of suicide, light has been thrown on
social factors deciding it and their importance. Through this creation Durkheim has proved social fact
of suicide. This work is not just a scientific explanation of suicide but is based on analysis of statistical
facts. In this manner, Durkheim has done three major works in the Bordeaux University of France.
Such intellectual works in sociology made Durkheim a renowned sociologist and a professor. In the
introduction of his book named “suicide”, Durkheim has written ‘Sociology now has become a fashion.
Because of these works Durkheim became the centre of sociological critical appreciation. After these
works, Durkheim worked towards providing scientific process to sociology.

16.1 subject matter

Scientific description of the subject of suicide, this was the third important work of Durkheim. This
book of Durkheim was published in 1897. This book was translated by Spaulding and Simpson
which was published by the name of “suicide- a sociological study”. Through this book Durkheim
has presented thoughts with the view of factors of suicide. These thoughts have only appeared as
the theory of suicide.
Durkheim through this theory of suicide has inaugurated new experiments and facts. He has analysed
social causes of murder. According to these factors he has done a critical analysis of types of suicide.

100 LoVeLY professionaL uniVersitY