Abstract

HERNANDEZ-BRINGAS, Héctor Hiram  and  FLORES-ARENALES, René. Suicide in Mexico. Pap. poblac [online]. 2011, vol.17, n.68, pp.69-101. ISSN 2448-7147.

This article aims to provide an overview of suicide in Mexico since the 1950's. Suicide implies an extreme form of violence against the self. It has profound social implications, as those who commit suicide have reached an existential condition in which taking their own life is seen as the only possible solution to their situation. Increases in overall rates of suicide probably pinpoint some kind of broader social process, and indeed suicide can be seen as an epidemic problem which is not being adequately addressed. During the last 50 years suicide in Mexico has increased amongst young and elderly males. At the same time, rates of accidental death and homicides have decreased (with the exception of the last five years). It could be said that the "civilizing process" in Mexico has advanced in the sense that we kill each other less than we used to, but for some reason rates of suicide have not accordingly declined. However, Mexico displays lower rates of suicide than other countries with similar rates of socioeconomic development. All this makes us think of the specific economic and social factors which have led to an increase in suicide since 1950 in Mexico.

Keywords : suicide; mortality; public health; demography; social change.

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