Gender, Culture, and Suicidal Behavior: A Feminist Critique of Theories and Research

Abstract

Suicide research has developed historically from philosophical roots in logical positivism and structural determinism. Thus, much suicide research has been based on assumptions of cause‐and‐effect relationships, reductionistic analysis, and the individual as the primary unit of analysis. In counterpoint, six guiding themes define feminist research (Worell & Etaugh, 1994). The present manuscript traces these six themes, illustrating them with suicide research projects. By challenging scientific tradition, focusing on women, considering power, recognizing gender constructs, maintaining awareness of the power of language, and promoting active, practical applications, researchers can combine traditional and alternative methodologies to make suicide research more robust.