Question

In 6 or more sentences answer the following question. Durkheim's study of suicide: explain the three types and discuss where school shooters fit into his analysis?​

Answer 1

Durkheim studied the differences in suicide rate between Protestants and Catholics. From his study, he found that there was a lower suicide rate among Catholics which he claimed was due to stricter social control and cohesion as compared to Protestants. Apart from psychological and emotional factors, Durkheim claimed that societal integration also plays an important role in suicide. The more a person is ingrained with the society, the more the person feels connected with the society and thus less likely to commit suicide.

Anomic suicide is committed by the person who feels completely disconnected from the society due to poor social relations. Altruistic suicide is committed by individuals who feel that the society is better off without them. Egoistic suicide is done by individuals who feel disconnected from the society due to loss of friends and family. This is most likely to occur to older individuals.

School shooters may feel a disconnect with the society as they may experience constant rejection, lack of acceptance in the society and fail to maintain positive social relationships. This may serve as an explanation as to why they may take such extreme steps