Sorrows of a century : interpreting suicide in New Zealand, 1900-2000 / John C. Weaver.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Weaver, John C, author.

Series:

McGill-Queen's/Associated Medical Services studies in the history of medicine, health, and society ; 40.

McGill-Queen's/Associated Medical Services studies in the history of medicine, health, and society ; 40

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Suicide--New Zealand--History--20th century.

Suicide.

Suicide--Social aspects--New Zealand--History--20th century.

Suicide--Economic aspects--New Zealand--History--20th century.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (470 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Distribution:

Beaconsfield, Quebec : Canadian Electronic Library, 2014.

Place of Publication:

Montreal [Quebec] ; Kingston [Ontario] : McGill-Queen's University Press ; Wellington, New Zealand : Bridget Williams Books, [2014]

Summary:

In Sorrows of a Century, John Weaver describes how personal relationships, work, poverty, war, illness, and legal troubles have driven thousands to despair. His study is set in twentieth-century New Zealand where - in spite of high standards of living and a commitment to social welfare - citizens have experienced the profound losses and stresses of the human condition. Focusing on New Zealand because it has the most comprehensive and accessible coroners' records, Weaver analyzes a staggering amount of information to determine the social and cultural factors that contribute to suicide rates. He examines the country's investigations into sudden deaths, places them within the context of major events and societal changes, and turns to witnesses' statements, suicide notes, and medical records to remark on prevention strategies. His extensive survey of twelve thousand cases also provides an insightful assessment of psychiatry and psychology in the last century. In reviewing the motives and methods of suicide, Weaver points out the complications facing deterrence. Moving beyond the timeless present of the social sciences and the irrationality emphasized in psychology, Sorrows of a Century marshals testimony to highlight the historical context and rational conduct behind suicide.

Contents:

Introduction

Long-Term Perspectives: Chronology, Gender, Life-Course, Ethnicity, and Method

Relationships: Sex, Alcohol, and Violence, 1900-80

Dark Days and Golden Weather: Despair and Work, 1900-80

Life Diminished: Illness and Trauma, 1900-2000

Mental Illnesses: Representation and Therapy, 1900-2000

The Youth Suicide Panic: Framing a Mental Health Crisis, 1988-96

What Is Happening to Our Children? Youth Suicides, 1980-2000

Decisions: Impulse and Reason in Historical Time, 1900-2000

Conclusion: History's Patterns and Prevention's Obstacles

Appendix One: Methodology

Appendix Two: Writing Style Notes.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9780773589964

0773589961

9780773589957

0773589953

OCLC:

872601035