Male Suicide and Masculinity in 19th-century Britain: Stories of Self-Destruction

This book challenges the notion that suicide was seen as a feminine act and reveals that masculinity was understood in a more nuanced way than gender binaries allow. It provides historical context to modern discussions about the crisis of masculinity and rising male suicide rates by focusing on four common narrative types.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This book delves into the intricate relationship between gendered expectations of behavior and interpretations of suicidal motives during a particular historical era. By examining how these expectations were constructed to provide meaning and understanding for family, friends, and witnesses, it sheds light on how people of that time perceived and understood suicidal behavior. Challenging the notion that suicide was solely a feminine act, the book reveals that masculinity was understood in a more nuanced way than gender binaries allow. It explores four common narrative types: the love-suicide, the unemployed suicide, the suicide of the fraudster or speculator, and the suicide of the dishonored solider. These narratives serve as historical context for modern discussions about the crisis of masculinity and rising male suicide rates. The book demonstrates that narratives around male suicides have not changed significantly over time, and that our modern model of masculinity can be traced back to the 19th century. Through its detailed analysis, it offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between gender, societal norms, and mental health, providing a deeper understanding of the historical and contemporary factors that contribute to male suicide.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350264922