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Homicide and Suicide - Structure and Process

NCJ Number
82263
Journal
Deviant Behavior Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: (January-March 1982) Pages: 91-115
Author(s)
K Levi
Date Published
1982
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This article brings together major new findings on homicide and suicide in order to contribute to an awareness of the similarities and differences between the two at both the structural and process levels of analysis, to make causal inferences, and to stimulate future research.
Abstract
Both homicide and suicide are processes of fixation on conflict resolution. The process of conflict resolution in turn is conditioned by structural disorganization. The process of fixation is conditioned by structural segregation, taking the particular form of estrangement, self-reliance, and partial isolation. Intentional suicide, as distinct from intentional homicide, involves a negative fixation on self resulting primarily from the physical or psychological unavailability of a victim. The lack of a victim leaves the would-be suicide feeling overwhelmed by the emotion that he or she fears. This process is conditioned by age and societal centralization, which together deny opportunities for homicide and detract from the kind of social support that might make life seem worthwhile. (Publisher abstract)

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