An Anthropological Analysis of Suicide in the Middle Zagros(Provinces: Ilam, Kermanshah and Lorestan)

The present study analyzes suicide within the social structures of the middle Zagros. The research method employed for this purpose is ethnographical, and data collection is done through participatory observation and interviews. The data shows that most of the tribes and families in the middle Zagros followed a nomadic way of life from September 1940 to the late 1960's, and they went through the process of "delayed accommodation". Therefore, most of tribal traditions such as endogamy and "homali" were continued as behavioral models in these areas. At this time, the process of modernization was established in these areas intensively and in multiple forms. Also, the social acceptance of children was done based on modern instructions as well as through general teaching and mass media, which was contrary to nomadic traditions. In the 1980's, 1990's, and mid-2000's, children (especially women and girls) wanted to experience an individualistic lifestyle and exogamy based on modern instructions, which was at odds with dominant and strong tribal traditions. Their inability in this regard provided the groundwork for "anomic- fatalistic" suicides. With a change in the living conditions, the number of suicides was reduced in the case of women and increased in men. Those who had lived in almost equal living conditions until the 1970's,  gradually experienced inequality and unemployment. At the same time, consumerism became dominant in people's tendencies. Both tribal traditions and modern models promoted consumerism and competition. The lack of a disciplinary structure to control people's tendencies as well as the society's inability to control inequality led men to frustration since they were in charge of economic affairs. Their economically unequal status was criticized based on the character trait of "homali" and this led to "anomic- egoistic" suicides.