Masculinidad y suicidio, una cuestión de sentido

Authors

  • Humberto Abarca Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación

Abstract

After traffic accidents, suicide is the second cause of death in Chile. During 2020, 1,590 suicides were registered in the country, representing 1.29% of all deaths. 82.7% correspond to men, that is, for every 10 suicides there are 8 men and 2 women. From this basic evidence, we propose a reflection on gender, masculinity and suicide. How does suicide tell us about the masculine condition in our societies? We will analyze the imaginary on these matters in the light of research results, the analysis of poetic texts and the popular songbook. Along the way we will reflect on the theme of male suicide, suggesting a possible relationship of meaning between this behavior and the type of challenge to action (and omission) of the cultural norm of masculinity.

Keywords:

masculinity, suicide, cultural mandate, update

Author Biography

Humberto Abarca, Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación

Sociólogo, Doctor en Ciencias Sociales por la Universidad de Chile. Ha trabajado en género, políticas públicas, participación comunitaria y formación de dirigentes sociales. Imparte el curso de metodologías participativas en las universidades de Chile y Alberto Hurtado. En la actualidad es docente titular de la Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación.