Gender and suicide in India: a multiperspective approach

Area of Science:

• Sociology of suicide
• Gender studies
• Cultural anthropology

Background:

• While male and female suicide rates in India are comparable, societal perceptions of motives diverge.
• Cultural narratives and media representations influence how male and female suicides are understood.
• Historical context, including practices like sati, shapes contemporary views on suicide.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare societal perceptions of male and female suicide motives in Bangalore.
• To explore the roles of gender, societal adversity, and cultural factors in suicide narratives.
• To analyze media and social science portrayals of female suicide in relation to blame and martyrdom.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving focus group interviews with university professors, police inspectors, crime reporters, and hospital nurses.
• Collection and analysis of four individual suicide narratives.
• Historical review of culturally sanctioned suicides, including the case of sati.

Main Results:

• Women are frequently blamed for suicides (their own or their husband's) but are also perceived as victims of life adversities more often than men.
• Both genders have been associated with culturally sanctioned suicides throughout history.
• Media and social sciences often portray female suicides as symbolic martyrdom, potentially compensating for attributed blame.

Conclusions:

• Societal perceptions of suicide in India are gendered, with women facing a complex interplay of blame and victimhood.
• Cultural and historical factors significantly influence the interpretation of suicide motives and narratives.
• The concept of female martyrdom in suicide narratives serves as a societal coping mechanism, reflecting deep-seated cultural beliefs.