Suicide

• What is the focus of the interpretive ISM regarding suicide?


  To look at the interpretive explanation of suicide and the views of theorists.
• How does the interpretive view of suicide differ from the positivist view?


  The interpretive view focuses on the meaning of suicide for those involved, while the positivist view relies on statistical data analysis.
• Who is a key theorist associated with interpretivism in the study of suicide?

  Douglas
• What does Douglas emphasize in his study of suicide?


  The meaning of suicide to the deceased and the labeling of deaths as suicide.
• What are two major criticisms Douglas has regarding the use of statistics in suicide studies?


  Statistics may be biased and the coroner's verdicts may reflect personal biases.
• How might social integration affect the labeling of suicide according to Douglas?


  If a victim is well-integrated into society, friends and family may not support labeling the death as suicide.
• What does Douglas suggest about the interactions and negotiations surrounding suicide labeling?


  These interactions impact whether a death is labeled as suicide, especially if there is no opposition.
• What is Durkheim's view on the types of suicide?


  Durkheim proposed four types of suicide, but Douglas argues that their meanings are not fixed and can vary.
• Why does Douglas believe qualitative data is important in studying suicide?


  Qualitative data helps to understand the cultural meanings and individual reasons behind suicide.
• What types of reasons for suicide does Douglas identify?


  Escapism, repentance, sympathy, self-punishment, and revenge.
• How does Douglas view the relationship between cultural context and suicide?


  He believes that cultural meanings must be understood to comprehend why people commit suicide.
• What criticism does Douglas face regarding the validity of his findings on suicide?


  He has not conducted case studies to support his claims, raising concerns about validity.
• What is a concern regarding the interpretation of suicide by coroners according to Douglas?


  Coroners may have subjective opinions that influence their labeling of deaths.
• How does the research of Berrecloth challenge Douglas's views on suicide labeling?


  It shows that there are real differences in suicide rates among different groups, suggesting that labeling may not be as subjective as Douglas claims.
• What is the main argument of the ethnomethodological perspective on suicide?


  Social reality is constructed by its members, and understanding this can help explain suicide.
• What does Hawkinson find about how coroners decide if a death is suicide?


  Coroners use a common sense approach, considering evidence like the mode of death and circumstances.
• What factors do coroners consider when determining if a death is a suicide?


  Mode of death, location, circumstances, and the deceased's life history.
• How does Taylor's realist approach differ from Douglas's interpretivist view on suicide?


  Taylor looks at underlying structures and causes of suicide, while Douglas focuses on labeling and interpretation.
• What does Taylor suggest about the awareness of individuals who commit suicide?


  Many individuals may not be aware that their actions will lead to suicide.
• What are the four types of suicide identified by Taylor?


  Self-directed, other-directed, submissive, and sacrificial suicide.
• What is a criticism of Taylor's categorization of suicide types?


  It makes assumptions about the reasons behind suicide, which can be difficult to ascertain.
• Why is it difficult to categorize suicide reasons according to Taylor?


  Because there may be multiple reasons for different individuals, and small samples may not be representative.
• How does Taylor link his findings to Durkheim's theories?


  He acknowledges similarities in the concepts of integration and non-integration while criticizing Durkheim's structured approach.
• What are the main criticisms of Douglas's approach to studying suicide?

  • Subjectivity in labeling by coroners
  • Lack of case studies for validity
  • Inconsistency in criticism of statistics
  • Interpretation is subjective and may not be superior to coroners' views
• What are the key differences between interpretivism and positivism in the context of suicide studies?


  • Interpretivism focuses on meanings and individual experiences.
  • Positivism relies on statistical data and objective analysis.
  • Interpretivism emphasizes qualitative data.
  • Positivism often overlooks cultural contexts.
• What are the implications of Taylor's realist approach to understanding suicide?


  • Recognizes the complexity of suicide causes.
  • Suggests that underlying structures may not be visible.
  • Challenges the reliability of statistics.
  • Emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of individual circumstances.