article

Truk suicide epidemic and social change

Human organization46 (4) • Published In 1987 • Pages: 283-291

By: Hezel, Francis X..

Abstract
This article is a version of Hezel's earlier work on Chuuk suicide (see document no. 41). In this article, Hezel makes more eplicit the indirect relationship between modernization and the high suicide rate among young Chuuk males. Here, and in the other article, he describes how most suicides result from tensions in the family, especially between children and parents, and between younger and older siblings. Hezel argues that the market economy has made smaller family units more viable and independent of the matrilineage. Where before, control of property and authority rested among senior members of the wife's family, now the husband enjoys greater autonomy and authority, and also has sole responsibility for the upbringing and disciplining of his children. With the increased childcare responsibilities parents have become more strict and less flexible. Parents have delegated some responsibilities to older children, creating tensions among siblings. According to Hezel, the resulting bind adolescent males find themselves has driven some to suicide.
Subjects
Ingroup antagonisms
Family relationships
Lineages
Suicide
culture
Chuuk
HRAF PubDate
1999
Region
Oceania
Sub Region
Micronesia
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Missionary
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard ; 1997
Field Date
1977-1985
Coverage Date
1970-1985
Coverage Place
Chuuk State, Federated States of Micronesia
Notes
Francis X. Hezel, S. J.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 291)
LCCN
47033317
LCSH
Trukese (Micronesian people)