Durkheim’s study of suicide emphasized the impact of which societal factors?

Durkheim's study of suicide is significant in sociology because it framed suicide not just as an individual act but as a social phenomenon influenced heavily by social structures and relationships. The correct answer emphasizes social integration, which refers to the degree to which individuals feel connected to their social groups and society as a whole.

In his seminal work, Durkheim identified different types of suicide—such as egoistic, altruistic, anomic, and fatalistic—based on the level of social integration and regulation present in an individual's life. For instance, egoistic suicide occurs in situations where individuals feel detached or isolated from their community, whereas altruistic suicide may happen in highly integrated societies where individuals sacrifice themselves for the perceived greater good of the collective.

Thus, Durkheim concluded that societal factors play a critical role in the rates of suicide, indicating that a strong sense of belonging and connection to others can act as a protective factor against suicide. This perspective highlights the importance of understanding the social context in which individuals operate, rather than solely focusing on personal or psychological factors.