اختبار كفاءة نظرية الأنومي لدى ميرتون في تفسير السلوك الانتحاري  في الأردن (2010-2021)

Omayya Tayseer  Olwan; Rula Odeh  Alsawalqa

doi:10.35516/hum.v51i2.3820

Authors

Omayya Tayseer Olwan Department of Sociology, School of Arts, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9547-5547
Rula Odeh Alsawalqa Department of Sociology, School of Arts, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5605-5444

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35516/hum.v51i2.3820

Keywords:

Anomie, Jordan, Merton, suicide, social theory, withdraw pattern

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to test the efficiency of Merton’s anomie theory in explaining suicidal behavior in Jordan over the period of 2010-2021. It also sheds light on the sociodemographic characteristics of suiciders as well as suicide methods and risk factors.

Methods: The study uses the descriptive, interpretive method in developing a survey of suicide cases in Jordan over the period of 2010-2021 based on the data obtained from the Criminal Information Department of the Jordanian Public Security Directorate.

Results: The results reveal the efficiency of Merton’s anomie theory in explaining suicidal behavior in Jordan. Suicidal behavior represents a form of retreatism, as suiciders evade facing the pressures imposed on them by the Jordanian social structure such as acting in compliance with the values, customs, and traditions of the Jordanian culture. In addition, individuals with suicidal behavior struggle with value conflict, poverty, unemployment, high taxes, high cost of living, low wages, domestic violence, divorce, not to mention the negative social, economic, and psychological repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic. The results also show that the number of Jordanians who committed suicide over the study period reached (1119) cases, most of which taking place in the capital city, Amman. Most suicide cases were among unmarried, self-employed males in the 18-27 age group. As for suicide risk factors, most of them were personal; respectively associated with family disputes, failure, frustration, moral factors, psychological problems/diseases, and emotional or financial factors. The study shows that the most frequent suicide method is suicide by hanging.

Conclusion: Suicidal behavior in Jordan could be explained according to Merton’s anomie theory which describes the imbalance between cultural goals and institutionalized means. This imbalance results in adaptive responses such as suicidal behavior.

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