The third hypothesis of Émile Durkheim to be discussed is ties to the concept of social integrity and how a cohesive religious community can prevent suicides from taking place. However, the context and timing of this theory should be taken into account, as Durkheim explored only the Protestant and Catholic communities in the 19th century Western Europe, particularly different Swiss cantons. Although his conclusion of social integration being a preventative factor, as the marriage and family was, stays important, there are many other factors and culture-specific features to be understood. This theory of a church community being very important in preventing suicides is well depicted in this citation:
“If religion protects men against the desire …show more content…
For example, currently many Western and North European countries have low rates of religiosity, more and more societies are becoming more secular and less dependent on the church-based communities. This can once again be seen in the research by Steven Stack. People in the Northern European countries enjoy liberalism and secularism, receive social support and integrity from their districts, friends, and families, not the church (1989; 1990). Nonetheless, their suicide rates are among some of the lowest in Europe. On the other hand, the situation in the Eastern Europe is a completely different story. For example, the previously used example of Lithuania is a great example of Roman Catholicism not being a preventative factor against suicide. According to the national census, in 2011 over 75% of the population considered themselves as Roman Catholic (Official Statistics Portal 2013). The traditional beliefs and values of the Catholic Church are still strongly integrated into the society, believers have regular gatherings and events across the nation. However, the Lithuanian case may be an instance of over-integration that turns into an oppressive environment. The Catholic Church in Lithuania was of much importance during the resistance against the Soviet forces. For a long time, it has been the epitome of conservative and traditional values that promote family-centred …show more content…
The ethno-religious traditions of Daoism or Confucianism are very different from the monotheistic Judeo-Christian beliefs. First of all, these Chinese philosophies do not have a single deity that is worshiped. Secondly, they lack the social support system, as the believers may have different perceptions of the same tradition. Therefore, the religion followers do not meet together on a regular basis, as the ceremonies are performed on an individual basis and not in a group (Zhang et al.
“If religion protects men against the desire …show more content…
For example, currently many Western and North European countries have low rates of religiosity, more and more societies are becoming more secular and less dependent on the church-based communities. This can once again be seen in the research by Steven Stack. People in the Northern European countries enjoy liberalism and secularism, receive social support and integrity from their districts, friends, and families, not the church (1989; 1990). Nonetheless, their suicide rates are among some of the lowest in Europe. On the other hand, the situation in the Eastern Europe is a completely different story. For example, the previously used example of Lithuania is a great example of Roman Catholicism not being a preventative factor against suicide. According to the national census, in 2011 over 75% of the population considered themselves as Roman Catholic (Official Statistics Portal 2013). The traditional beliefs and values of the Catholic Church are still strongly integrated into the society, believers have regular gatherings and events across the nation. However, the Lithuanian case may be an instance of over-integration that turns into an oppressive environment. The Catholic Church in Lithuania was of much importance during the resistance against the Soviet forces. For a long time, it has been the epitome of conservative and traditional values that promote family-centred …show more content…
The ethno-religious traditions of Daoism or Confucianism are very different from the monotheistic Judeo-Christian beliefs. First of all, these Chinese philosophies do not have a single deity that is worshiped. Secondly, they lack the social support system, as the believers may have different perceptions of the same tradition. Therefore, the religion followers do not meet together on a regular basis, as the ceremonies are performed on an individual basis and not in a group (Zhang et al.