The European Homicide-Suicide Study

The central aim of EHSS is to analyze the phenomenon of homicide-suicide cross-nationally, exploiting the considerable variation across Europe in terms of cultural and religious traditions, socio-economic conditions and demographic patterns which may be important macro-level dimensions influencing the frequency of HS. One set of hypotheses guiding these analyses follows Durkheim’s theory of social integration which assumes that societies with an emphasis on traditional, collectivist norms tend to foster rather than reduce violence, esp. within primary social groups. In this perspective, certain types of domestic violence could be a downside of strong social integration. However, other socio-economic influences as economic deprivation may also influence the HS rate or interact with cultural influences. Another important cultural dimension are gender relations within partnerships and families.