What is le suicide?

Le suicide is a book written by French sociologist Emile Durkheim in 1897. It is considered a groundbreaking work in the field of sociology and one of the first studies to use statistical methods in sociological research.

In the book, Durkheim analyzes the social factors that influence suicide rates. He argues that suicide is not just an individual act but is instead a social phenomenon that can be influenced by factors such as religion, social cohesion, and economic conditions.

Durkheim identifies four types of suicide: egoistic, altruistic, anomic, and fatalistic. Egoistic suicide occurs when individuals feel disconnected from society and lack social bonds, while altruistic suicide occurs when individuals feel deeply connected to a group or society and are willing to sacrifice themselves for the greater good. Anomic suicide occurs during times of social upheaval or economic crisis, while fatalistic suicide results from extreme social regulation or oppression.

Durkheim's theories on suicide continue to be influential in sociology and have been applied to a range of topics, including mental health, social inequality, and globalization.