Durkheim’s analysis of altruistic suicide

Abstract

One of the four types of suicide identified by Durkheim is altruistic suicide. It stands in contrast to egoistic suicide, which is determined by the degree of social integration. Whilst egoistic suicide results from insufficient integration of the individual into social groups or society, altruistic suicide stems from excessive integration. This makes the concept of social integration or social integration theory more attractive. Drawing on evidence from primitive, exotic societies, and suicide statistics within the armies of contemporary societies, Durkheim developed this type of suicide to explain the phenomena of widows committing suicide after their husbands died, and why suicide rates among soldiers are higher than among civilians, and why soldiers with higher ranks have a higher incidence of suicide in military environment etc. Durkheim concluded that too strong social integration leads to loss of individuality and over-conformity, contributing to high suicide rates in ancient societies and among the armies of contemporary societies.