Year: 1973 Source: Sociology, v.7, (1973), p.437-445 SIEC No: 19820627

This article examines the debate about status integration & suicide. The problem of using ecological data is noted. The confusion about whether the lack of status integration is a cause of deviance or is itself a type of deviance is discussed. The use of a single social meaning of suicide is critiqued. The problem of suicide statistics & how deaths are labelled suicides are reviewed. Coroners’ common sense theories of suicide are examined, e.g. a person experiences social isolation & believes suicide is the only option. (41 refs.) (MF)