Why did Emile Durkheim study suicide rates?

Question

Why did Emile Durkheim study suicide rates? I'm studying for a sociology exam, is this question was on the study guide. Can someone explain why Durkheim studied suicide rates? Thanks!

Answer 1

Durkheim studied suicide because that was when sociology turned to being empirical and studying things that others believed were not in the realm of sociology. In the past many people thought that people that committed suicide were doing it for a personal reason and it was purely individualistic. Fortunately, Durkheim discovered in his study that the social world was having a great impact on the people committing suicide.

He found that:

- Protestants committed suicide at a higher rate than Catholics

- Males were more likely than females

- People with social ties (such as organizations or volunteering) were less likely than people without.

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

Was it something to do with men having a higher suicide rate than women?

Maybe that's what he found actually.

Because of social aspects, i.e. men have no outlet for their problems like women do, for example, talking to friends.

So they're more likely to commit suicide.

Sorry if i'm no help!