Citation

Meneghel SN, Gutierrez DMD, Silva RM, Grubits S, Hesler LZ, Ceccon RF. Cien. Saude Colet. 2012; 17(8): 1983-1992.

Vernacular Title

Suicídio de idosos sob a perspectiva de gênero.

Affiliation

Escola de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, 90620-110, stelameneghel@gmail.com.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Associacao Brasileira de Pos-Graduacao em Saude Coletiva)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

22899139

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between suicide and aging from a gender perspective, examining the socially imposed boundaries of masculinity and femininity in the lives of elderly people who committed suicide. It is a qualitative study in which 50 psychosocial autopsies conducted with elderly relatives were selected from 10 cities in the North, South, Northeast and Midwest of Brazil. In this article we have identified situations of gender vulnerabilities in the lives of 13 people who committed suicide: 10 men and 3 women selected for their exemplary character. Two main categories were listed: the first refers to femininity including the "gender destiny" experienced by elderly women who commit suicide when they can no longer care for themselves or work. The second concerns the hegemonic masculinity in crisis, in which old men die after changing from the role of providers due to retirement or illness. It should be stressed that gender norms, codes of honor, power inequalities and stereotypes affect both women and men in terms of susceptibility to suicidal behavior.

Language: pt