Structural Change and the Durkheimian Legacy: A Macrosocial Analysis of Suicide Rates

This paper present a further specification of Durkheim's theory of suicide. A propositional theory is developed relating population growth, technological development, changes in the division of labor and social integration, and suicide rates. Results are mixed, but are generally as predicted. Strongest support results from the relationships between changes in level of technology, the division of labor, social integration, and suicide rates. Results contrary to the theory were obtained when the effects of population change were considered.