Durkheim's theory of suicide argues that suicide is not merely an individual event but a phenomenon shaped by societal structures and conditions. From a sociological perspective, suicide must be evaluated within a social context, taking into account factors such as changes in the social structure of society and the disruption of individuals' relationships with social bonds. Durkheim attributes differences in suicide rates to imbalances in the functioning of society and how individuals adapt to social norms.

 

According to Durkheim, the social origins of suicide are related to anomie and the extent to which the individual is integrated into social bonds. Anomie refers to the weakening of social norms and the difficulties individuals face in conforming to social rules. This situation leads to an increase in suicide rates, especially in industrialized societies. Durkheim analyzed suicide on a societal level, studying how imbalances in society impact individuals.

 

Durkheim classified suicides into four main types:

• Egoistic Suicide
• Altruistic Suicide
• Anomic Suicide
• Fatalistic Suicide

 

Egoistic (Selfish) Suicide

Egoistic or selfish suicide occurs when an individual becomes excessively detached from social bonds and social norms. In Durkheim's theory, such suicides are associated with the weakening of social integration and the loss of individuals' connections with society. Egoistic suicide emerges when individuals feel lonely, abandoned, and disconnected from social relationships. It is triggered by a lack of support and a sense of belonging provided by society.

 

Durkheim notes that egoistic suicides occur when individuals' relationships with one another weaken and social norms break down. Social commitment and belonging are crucial for the psychological and emotional well-being of individuals. A person who feels accepted and connected as part of society can lead a meaningful life. However, when social bonds weaken, an individual may find themselves in isolation and may begin to contemplate ending their life.

 

Egoistic suicide is particularly linked with excessive individualism and loneliness. The loosening of social structure makes it difficult for individuals to conform to social norms and respond to societal expectations. This leads to feelings of being disconnected and lonely, making them more likely to consider suicide. According to Durkheim, egoistic suicide arises from a lack of social belonging, and this deficiency becomes the trigger for suicide.

 

Social institutions such as family, religion, and friendship play a crucial role in individuals' social integration. When these bonds are strong, individuals have a social support network that helps them maintain life. However, factors such as weakening family structures, diminishing religious beliefs, or increasing isolation can lead to an increase in egoistic suicides.

 

Durkheim views egoistic suicide as a frequent phenomenon in the highly individualized structures of modern societies. Egoistic suicide is also related to the blurring of social roles and difficulties individuals face when forming their identities. When an individual fails to find a place in society and loses their social identity, the purpose of life diminishes, increasing the likelihood of suicide.

 

Altruistic Suicide

Altruistic or self-sacrificial suicide is when an individual ends their life for the benefit of their society, group, or close community. According to Durkheim's theory of suicide, such suicides occur when an individual becomes excessively integrated into society or a specific social group. Altruistic suicide is characterized by the individual sacrificing their life for the ideals of the society or group, sometimes driven by social norms, beliefs, or pressures.

 

Durkheim suggests that altruistic suicide is a phenomenon particularly present in societies where social bonds are very strong, and individuals make sacrifices for a collective purpose. This type of suicide is shaped by deep commitment to the values, traditions, and beliefs of society. The individual sees behaving as expected by society, serving the group, and fulfilling the moral or cultural needs of society as a duty. Altruistic suicide is rooted in an excessive level of integration into the individual's relationship with society and their sense of belonging.

 

Such suicides often occur in wars, religious or ideological struggles, in line with cultural norms, or for the collective interests of groups. For example, during military service, individuals may sacrifice themselves out of strong loyalty to a group leader, religious authority, or ideological cause. In Japan, during World War II, suicide was often seen as an honorable option rather than being taken prisoner by enemy forces. Additionally, in some religions, individuals may commit suicide to protect society or in the name of religious beliefs.

 

Altruistic suicide typically arises when the individual holds a social identity that is of significant value to the society. Strong moral and ideological support from the social group drives the individual toward self-sacrifice for the benefit of society. The individual prefers to abandon their personal interests and life for the collective ideals or the interests of society.

 

Durkheim’s approach suggests that altruistic suicide is the result of individuals being excessively integrated into society. These suicides arise due to the overwhelming influence of social bonds and norms, which create pressure on the individual. The demands of society and the group take precedence over the individual's survival instincts. Durkheim observes that traditional and rigidly hierarchical societies exert such strong effects on individuals, leading to the occurrence of altruistic suicides. Altruistic suicides are linked to individuals taking societal roles too seriously, accepting group pressures, and feeling obligated to behave according to societal norms. This particularly emerges when social bonds weaken, but ideological, religious, or cultural attachments remain strong.

 

Anomic Suicide

Anomic suicide occurs when individuals' lives end due to the weakening or uncertainty of societal norms and values. In Durkheim's sociological theory, anomie refers to the breakdown of norms in society and the weakening of individuals’ connections to the social structure. Anomie is a condition in which individuals experience a lack of direction and uncertainty due to the absence of specific control or order in society. Anomic suicide results from the collapse of societal norms, leaving individuals unable to find meaning and direction in their lives.

 

Durkheim defines anomie as the gradual disappearance or uncertainty of social structures and values. This situation leads to individuals losing their social connections and experiencing psychological states such as loneliness and alienation. Individuals, feeling isolated from society, may experience an intense inner void and may turn to suicide as a solution to fill that emptiness. Anomic suicide is an important social phenomenon that demonstrates how uncertainties in the social structure affect individuals' lives.

 

Social Collapse and Anomic Suicide

Anomic suicide is more common during periods of social collapse, economic crises, social upheaval, or sudden social changes. During such times, individuals’ social identity, values, and norms are disrupted. People feel isolated from the secure positions that the social structure previously provided and may feel alone in chaotic environments. For example, major economic crises, wars, or political changes can lead to the collapse of social structures and a reduction in individuals' sense of connection to society. This situation can make it difficult for individuals to adapt to social rules, leading to increased loneliness and depression.

 

Economic Crises Impact

Durkheim explains that economic fluctuations, which cause the weakening of societal structure and norms, are an important factor in the spread of anomic suicides. Economic crises threaten individuals’ living standards and exacerbate social inequalities. When individuals face economic uncertainty or job loss, they may feel insecure about their lives, making them more vulnerable to psychological distress. Economic collapse and high unemployment rates are times when anomic suicides tend to rise.

 

Anomie and Suicide in Modern Societies

Modern societies are characterized by rapidly changing social structures, where individual freedom takes precedence. Durkheim observed that in such societies, individuals become disconnected from traditional social bonds and norms, leading to isolation. Individuals struggle to adapt to the changing rules of the social system and may not find answers to fundamental questions about identity and purpose. This situation can lead to anomic suicides. The rise in individual freedom in modern societies has weakened social bonds, leading to increased isolation and deviation from societal norms.

 

Psychological Aspect of Anomic Suicide

Anomic suicide cannot be explained solely by societal factors. Psychological effects also play a significant role. During periods of social collapse or uncertainty, individuals begin to question the meaning and purpose of life. In such times, individuals’ mental health can deteriorate, leading to increased depression, anxiety, and other psychological disorders. When individuals perceive social support systems as inadequate, they may be driven to thoughts of ending their own lives. In this case, individuals may be in a crisis not only caused by societal norms but also by an inner psychological emptiness.

 

Social Change and Anomie

Anomie becomes more pronounced during periods of rapid social change, where norms need to be updated. Durkheim notes that during times when social structures evolve continuously and norms are reshaped, individuals may feel excluded from society. This type of anomic situation may prevent individuals from adapting to the social system, leading them to contemplate suicide. Durkheim defines anomie as the collapse of societal norms, a situation that creates uncertainty in individuals’ lives.

 

Fatalistic Suicide

Fatalistic suicide occurs when individuals feel helpless due to the rigid rules or pressures of society, leading them to end their lives. This type of suicide arises when societal conditions and environmental factors excessively control or direct an individual's life. Fatalistic suicide occurs when the individual feels overwhelmed by excessive control and lacks freedom and the ability to make choices. They may resort to death as a way of escaping from societal pressures and uncertainties.

 

Durkheim connects fatalistic suicide with a sense of hopelessness and being trapped by external pressures due to strict societal norms. This type of suicide occurs when individuals lose their ability to freely express themselves due to the pressures of their environment and the rigid norms of society. When individuals feel forced to live according to the rules expected by society, they may turn to suicide as a means of escape.

 

Psychological Foundations of Fatalistic Suicide

Fatalistic suicide is often related to a lack of a sense of control and feelings of helplessness in the individual’s life. The individual is forced to live according to societal roles and limitations imposed by their environment, restricting their personal desires and freedoms. This situation may cause individuals to view themselves solely as a result of social pressures. They may experience inner emptiness and loneliness, ultimately perceiving suicide as their only way out.

 

This type of suicide is particularly pronounced in societies with very strict norms and traditional rules. Factors such as rigid family roles, gender norms, social status, and professional expectations shape individuals' lives and limit their personal freedom. This leads the individual to lose the ability to make any choices regarding their life, causing them to feel crushed under societal and personal responsibilities and ultimately deciding to end their life.

 

Social Conditions and Fatalistic Suicide

Fatalistic suicide is more common in societies with strong social control, where individuals' lives are shaped by strict rules and norms. In such societies, personal rights and choices are limited; every individual must conform to the wishes of the social structure and order. Institutions such as family, religion, and work serve as powerful tools that guide and constrain individuals. When individuals cannot deviate from the paths set by these structures, they may feel trapped in a form of "social prison."

 

Authoritarian regimes, strict family structures, and traditional societies play an important role in the occurrence of this type of suicide. Individuals struggle to resist social pressures because these structures offer no alternatives and force them to follow a specific path. Under such pressures, individuals may perceive themselves only as a product of societal norms, leading them to view suicide as a solution.

 

Consequences of Fatalistic Suicide

Fatalistic suicide is not only an individual trauma but also a social problem. Such suicides can be seen as the consequences of rigidity in social structures and the pressures that shape individuals' lives. When societies’ excessively regulatory and controlling structures restrict individual freedom, individuals' psychological health is negatively affected. Fatalistic suicide leads individuals to disconnect from social bonds and lose control over their lives.

 

To prevent individuals from being driven toward this type of suicide, changes in societal structure and social reforms that increase individuals' freedoms are necessary. In this context, social services play an important role in expanding individuals’ freedoms and reducing social pressures. Social support systems can be a strong tool for ensuring that individuals align with society and provide them with opportunities to exercise their personal freedoms.