Altruistic suicide is alive and relative in modern society. Official statistics consistently reported that the highest rates of suicide were in the military (Kushner et al, 2005). The “military spirit” is seen as cultivating a sense of high social integration conducive to altruistic suicide (Strack, 2004). Men and women in the military are called to sacrifice their life to protect their country. As such, they are trained to view themselves as unimportant. Also, soldiers are trained blind obedience; to follow orders without question or doubt. This training creates a culture of impersonality (Strack, 2004). Durkheim noted that there might be a difference in suicide rates among officers, especially noncommissioned officers. Noncommissioned officers are thought to be more integrated due to longer service time than that of normal enlisted men, therefore having a higher rate of suicide. This culture of impersonality “develops with years of service” (Durkheim, 1951). Ultimately, Durkheim found that both officers and noncommissioned officers had a higher rater of suicide than that of enlisted men, but officer suicide rate was only half of the suicide rate of noncommissioned
Altruistic suicide is alive and relative in modern society. Official statistics consistently reported that the highest rates of suicide were in the military (Kushner et al, 2005). The “military spirit” is seen as cultivating a sense of high social integration conducive to altruistic suicide (Strack, 2004). Men and women in the military are called to sacrifice their life to protect their country. As such, they are trained to view themselves as unimportant. Also, soldiers are trained blind obedience; to follow orders without question or doubt. This training creates a culture of impersonality (Strack, 2004). Durkheim noted that there might be a difference in suicide rates among officers, especially noncommissioned officers. Noncommissioned officers are thought to be more integrated due to longer service time than that of normal enlisted men, therefore having a higher rate of suicide. This culture of impersonality “develops with years of service” (Durkheim, 1951). Ultimately, Durkheim found that both officers and noncommissioned officers had a higher rater of suicide than that of enlisted men, but officer suicide rate was only half of the suicide rate of noncommissioned