Citation

Lunden WA. Am. J. Sociol. 1947; 52(4): 321-334.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1947, University of Chicago Press)

DOI

10.1086/220018

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

During World Wars I and II suicides in France decreased, whereas in the postwar and depression years they increased, reaching an all-time high in 1934. Seventy per cent of all cases were males, except during the war and occupation. While the Germans occupied France, male suicides decreased more than female cases. Suicides in older ages increased during the wars and decreased in the depression. Hanging, drowning, and shooting were the most common methods. During the depression gas cases increased rapidly. Cases of suicide among married women with children increased during the occupation, while those of women without children decreased. During the depression suicides of non-Frenchmen were more numerous than of Frenchmen. Multiple suicides increased during the depression more than single cases. Disgrace and poverty (misère) as causes for suicide were increasingly important during the depression and the occupation.