Suicide in the United States

Written by: Kelly L. Hunter

The leading cause of suicide in the United States is attributed to several different risk factors according to researchers. Although the majority of society would like to believe that inequality does not exist in our country, quite the opposite is said to be true. It has been said that suicide rates are higher in cities with larger populations due to the constant interchanging of people, residency, and frequent job change (McCall, Tittle, 2007). Gender, race, ethnicity, age, and social ranking also play a major roll in the cause of suicide (Maciouis, 2006).
The methods used by McCall and Tittle in this study of population size and urbanization in the United States were interpretive and critical, showing the interaction of society and inequality that exists within our diverse culture. Maciouis (2006) states that, “The reality people experience is variable and changing” (p. 14). Maciouis (2006) also goes on to say that “Social inequality causes conflict that leads to social change” (p. 14). This research shows that society and individuals need a consistent balance in order to properly function on a stable level.
With population size being a factor you would think that states like California and New York would have a high rate of reported suicides. However, these two states rank very low on this scale; with states like Arizona, New Mexico, Arkansas, and Wyoming ranking higher (Maciouis, 2006). According to research, the mid-west accounts for most of the countries suicide rates (Maciouis, 2006).
“Results indicate that an association between population and suicide is atypical and even when observed is highly sensitive to methodological specifications” says McCall and Tittle (2006) (¶1). With this being said, it is important for us to remember that we all need one another to survive and maybe getting to know our neighbors is long overdue.
Reference List


Maciouis, J.J. “Society: The Basics, Eighth Edition”. Prentice-Hall. (2006) p. 1-34.

McCall, P.L., Tittle, C.R. “Population Size and Suicide in U.S. Cities: A Static Dynamic Exploration”. Suicide and Life Threatening Behavior. (2007) Vol. 37. Issue 5. p. 553