What type of suicide occurs when the individual's ties to the community are prioritized over personal identity?

Prepare for the CLEP Sociology Exam. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with detailed explanations and hints. Enhance your readiness for the exam day!

Altruistic suicide is the type of suicide that occurs when an individual's ties to the community and the expectations of society outweigh personal identity and well-being. This phenomenon is often seen in situations where a person sacrifices their own life for a perceived greater good or to fulfill societal or community obligations. Such individuals may feel a strong sense of duty and loyalty to their social group, believing that their death serves a noble purpose or benefits others.

In cases of altruistic suicide, people may act based on the norms and values of their community, leading them to make extreme personal sacrifices. This can be seen in certain cultural or religious contexts where martyrdom is celebrated. The strong connection to the group can overshadow individual desires, resulting in the tragic choice of sacrificing one's life for the collective.

Understanding altruistic suicide helps illuminate the social dimensions of suicide, highlighting how community and individual identities interact and can lead to such drastic decisions.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy