article

Truk suicide epidemic and social change

Human organization • 46 (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.

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)