Honors College Theses
Publication Date
11-22-2024
Major
International Studies (B.A.)
Document Type and Release Option
Thesis (open access)
Faculty Mentor
Jamie Scalera Elliott
Abstract
Suicide is an important global issue, and there need to be measures put in place to help prevent such a problem. Existing literature finds that culture and politics do significantly impact suicide rates. I assess how the perceptions of suicide differ from culture to culture and how culture plays a role in the rates of suicide and reasons for it. I also examine at how socioeconomic status, unemployment, and economics affect people as well. In this study, I research how politics and culture affect suicide rates in Asia, specifically how politics and culture influence suicide rates in South Korea and Japan and they have different rates, even though their cultures are similar. In this study, I use a mixed-method study using a different system design and qualitative case studies. I hypothesize that if two countries are similar in culture and political factors (i.e., economic stability and social attitudes), then suicide rates will be similar.
Thesis Summary
Suicide represents a critical global challenge, necessitating comprehensive measures for prevention. Existing research highlights the significant influence of cultural and political factors on suicide rates. This thesis investigates how cultural perceptions of suicide vary across societies and how these cultural elements contribute to differences in suicide rates and underlying causes. It further explores the role of socioeconomic status, unemployment, and economic conditions in shaping these outcomes.
The study focuses on South Korea and Japan, two nations with comparable cultural and historical backgrounds yet differing suicide rates. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this research integrates a different-system design and qualitative case studies to examine the interplay between cultural and political factors influencing suicide. The hypothesis asserts that countries with similar cultural and political contexts—such as economic stability and societal attitudes—will exhibit comparable suicide rates. This analysis aims to deepen the understanding of how culture and politics intersect to affect mental health outcomes in East Asia, offering insights for tailored suicide prevention strategies.
Recommended Citation
Burke, Natasha A., "Navigating Crisis: The Intersection of Politics, Culture, and Suicide in South Korea and Japan" (2024). Honors College Theses. 1018.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/honors-theses/1018
