Durkheim's Four Types Of Suicide

Durkheim focused much of his studies on the social factors that contribute to suicide. During his studies of religious, economical, and tight knit social structures, he discovered 4 types of suicide. The third type is called Anomic Suicide. This type of suicide involves a rapid change in one’s social status from one that is highly regulated by the individual to one that is lacking any innovation or too overwhelming. Anomic Suicide can also be thought of as a disruption of social balance. During their regular status they lived a life that was fluid. A rapid change from this can leave the individual with a lack of purpose or in a state confusion or stress. Durkheim believed that for whatever reason these individuals lack the ability to conform
After an individual is hired for a job they are trained for their new position and are guided on how to go about certain situations that may arise. Every day they are expected to dress and behave based on work policy. They are monitored and reprimanded on any misconduct. In this situation all the individual has to do is abide by the rules in order to keep his job. However, in the untimely event that the individual is fired because of economic unrest they are suddenly left without this guidance and direction. They are no longer on a strict schedule, no longer have to dress professionally, and their regular routine is disrupted. Losing a job can be stressful to anyone, especially when you are fired without warning. The individual is left with feelings of normlessness and lack of worth in the eyes social world. Unemployment is not a desirable trait so the individual may hide from family and friends not wanting to face the embarrassment that this new status brings. Another undesirable and burdensome trait that comes with unemployment is the lack of income. It is a socially common concept that a person is viewed as worthless without a stable income, especially if they have a family to support. This kind of anomie can lead to many hardships that can lead to the self-destruction of an individual. It’s a common belief that unemployment can ultimately lead to alcoholism, aggressive behavior, and sometimes isolation. Especially having to give the financial burden to another family member, such as a husband suddenly unemployed and his wife having to take on the financial stress. This anomic structure can completely devour a person’s ability to function normally, and as Durkheim discussed, this can result in