Social and Cultural Determinants of Suicide

Suicide is a complex phenomenon deeply rooted in the sociocultural background, influenced by several aspects of society, with some of those playing a crucial role in determining suicide risk. It is not easy to drag out univocal results when dealing with social and cultural determinants of suicide; on the other hand, it is more fruitful to analyze the tight bond between them and suicide risk. In 1897, Émile Durkheim was the first to theorize the impact of society on suicide, especially regarding anomie, the disruption of society’s balance, and the upheaval of its values. Education, marital status, and job position are dimensions of the individual’s sphere. Each of those influences suicide risk in different ways, leaning on specific dynamics between the individual and the society. The same can be said about social class belongingness; in this specific context, social and economic factors are combined in influencing individuals’ suicide risk. Focusing on minorities, they represent vulnerable subjects in society; studying the phenomenon of suicide in these subpopulations is a not to be missed opportunity. The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (ITS) proposed by Joiner represents a theoretical framework explaining the role of lack of social integration and the belief of being a burden for significant others. The constantly growing phenomenon of migration highlighted the need to studying society’s impact on migrants’ suicide risk. The same complex, multifactorial and bidirectional bond connects society with sexual minorities and suicide risk among them.