In this comparative study, sociologist Marzio Barbagli examines suicide as a socio-cultural, religious, and political phenomenon, exploring the reasons that underlie it and the meanings it has acquired in different cultures throughout the world. Drawing on a body of research carried out by historians, anthropologists, sociologist, political scientists, and psychologists, Barbagli argues that a satisfactory theory of suicide cannot limit itself to the two causes highlighted by French sociologist Émile Durkheim--namely, social integration and regulatuion--but must rather provide a new account that links the motives for and significance attributed to individual actions with the people for and against whom individuals take their lives.--From publisher description.

"First published in Italian as Congedarsi dal mondo : il suicidio in Occidente e in Oriente, Societa Editrice Il Mulino SPA, 2009"--Title page verso.

Part I. In the West -- The worst sin and the gravest crime -- The key to our prison -- Killing God, oneself and others -- When poverty does not protect -- Part II. In the East -- Before becoming a widow -- Making the strong and powerful tremble -- The body as a bomb -- Conclusions -- Appendix.