Suicide, Durkheim, and Sociology (IN: Current Concepts of Suicide, edited by D Lester)

Most works in the sociology of suicide fit into one of two traditions: “scientific” sociology which seeks to explain suicidal behaviour in terms of various social behaviours, or a sociological approach which uses interpretive methodologies to explore how the meanings of suicidal actions are constructed & applied in given empirical situations. Taylor outlines the major characteristics & limitations of each approach & then, reassessing Durkheim’s theory, suggests questions that should be asked.