Males are not only stronger than most of their female counterparts, the methods of suicide tend to be more lethal as well. According to research, "the higher male suicide rank is explained in part by males' more frequent use of lethal methods (e.g. firearms and hanging), but surely that cannot be the entire explanation," (Maris et a. 2000:75). This is true. There is a whole array of explanations lurking within the mental state of the individual, as well as the external world. In face, gender differences found within the context of society itself can also be attributed to the increased risk for males. Within most of the world, men are considered the providers. Thus, there is lots of social pressure to succeed and become a provider, which the female is not expected to do. This pressure can then build up, and with social pressure to act like a man and keep it inside, there is no release. When men are unsatisfied, depressed, or in need, there is a tendency for men not to be as open as their female counterparts. Rather than opening up for help, "They may grow hopeless (whereas women are allowed to be helpless) and, if men seek help (which they are not likely to do), they are closer to the edge than a woman would be," (Maris et al. 2000:152). Also within the context of the New Zealand study, the concept that men in more rural occupations were the largest number of confirmed suicide, "Since a substantial number of farmers and farm laborers killed themselves in urban...
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now