Ambiguity in the Interpretation of Suicide: Female Death in Papua, New Guinea (IN: Why Women Kill Themselves, ed. by D Lester)

This article details suicidal behavior in New Guinea, emphasizing female suicide. The author describes suicide in this country as a culturally recognized behavior that acts as a form of social sanction. She presents many case examples of suicides brought on shame, an unwanted marriage, etc. Compensation is usually paid to the suicide victim’s family by the person believed to precipitate the event. The author argues that, for women in New Guinea, suicide is a political action. (VM)