[From an urge for life to a wish to die. A sociocultural analysis]

In euthanasia and assisted suicide the wish to die has become greater than the wish to continue life. The reasons of this turn to death are subject of analysis. Examples, two from the Netherlands and one from the Eskimos demonstrate that the beginning of this process is an experience of irreversible loss. Cultural norms determine the meaning of this experience. Likewise, prevailing norms determine the possible unacceptability of the resulting deviancy. Coping with unacceptable deviancy is a restaurative strategy which fits in the prevailing cultural model. Eskimo assisted suicide is aimed at sectional interest: the request for life-ending help is posed on behalf of group survival. In the Netherlands euthanasia and assisted suicide are part of an individualistic culture with an earthly system of meaning. The emphasis is on good health, youth and representative appearance. The individual request for help is posed on behalf of the individual himself, to prevent social isolation, and to die in a clean way in self-selected company.