Listening to a Silent Crisis: Men’s Suicide in Rural and Farming Communities in Slovenia

Abstract

The rate of suicide remains high in Slovenia, particularly in rural settings and among farmers. As is the case with many issues faced by rural people, few social responses are developed in terms of political action, health and social services and research. In this article, the severity of farmers' suicide in Slovenia is detailed and analysed as a social problem based on the following criteria: first, the scope of the situation is considered worrying and unequal; second, normative structures are abnormally or harmfully connected to the situation; third, there is a will and a power to transform the situation because it is found unacceptable according to social ethics and values; and fourth, the implementation of social responses such as intervention programmes and collective actions. This framework enables to highlight the importance of gender (masculinities), location (rural settings), local culture (agrarian values) and occupation (farming). Priority for future policies, practice and research should focus on these social determinants of health and wellbeing in support of farming people, communities and associations.

“That’s Me I am the Farmer of the Land”: Exploring Identities, Masculinities, and Health Among Male Farmers’ in Ireland

“…Inevitably, this conflicted with any proposition to prioritize health needs or to show vulnerability and seek help. For most farmers in this study, health was seen as “women’s business,” with feminine connotations, and not something “hard-working men” had time to engage with ( Roy & Hočevar, 2019 ). Notably, some farmers contested such framings, extolling the virtues of a more responsible and proactive approach to health over more stoic and reactive approaches.…”

“…Similarly, in a Canadian context, Roy et al (2017) found that farmers often sacrificed rest in favor of a “relentless worker” model to uphold their masculine image. Roy and Hočevar (2019) note how farmers are continually negotiating health practices in relation to hegemonic masculinity; and that “doing health” is a form of “doing gender.” Indeed, the act of opposing health-enhancing behaviors or help-seeking behavior could be seen as an active demonstration of manliness for some farmers and a rejection of the more feminine connotations of weakness and stigmatization associated with health ( Ní Laoire, 2005 ; Roy et al, 2014 , 2017 ). In this sense, the cultural influences that shape farmers’ beliefs, attitudes, and practices are synonymous with the pursuit of a hegemonic form of farming masculinity that can be demonstrated in the avoidance of behaviors that show concern for health or that require emotional expression or help-seeking on the basis that such practices might position farmers as weak or vulnerable ( Cleary, 2012 ; Ní Laoire, 2005 ; Roy et al, 2017 ; Verdonk et al, 2010 ).…”

“…Hence, male farmers’ pursuit of a particular masculine ideal as “the provider” can be reinforced by female partners. It has been argued that this emphasis on autonomy, stoicism, and self-reliance associated with the construction of hegemonic masculinity fuels male farmers’ negative attitudes toward emotional expression and help-seeking ( Fraser et al, 2005 ; Roy et al, 2014 ; Roy & Hočevar, 2019 ). It is crucially important therefore to frame farming masculinities within a gender relations context and to consider the perspectives of wives/partners of farmers in co-constructing the relationship between farming masculinities and health.…”

“…Similarly, in a Canadian context, Roy et al (2017) found that farmers often sacrificed rest in favor of a "relentless worker" model to uphold their masculine image. Roy and Hočevar (2019) note how farmers are continually negotiating health practices in relation to hegemonic masculinity; and that "doing health" is a form of "doing gender." Indeed, the act of opposing healthenhancing behaviors or help-seeking behavior could be seen as an active demonstration of manliness for some farmers and a rejection of the more feminine connotations of weakness and stigmatization associated with health (Ní Laoire, 2005;Roy et al, 2014Roy et al, , 2017.…”

‘It's a lonely old world’: Developing a multidimensional understanding of loneliness in farming

“…While farmers are sometimes romantically thought of as enjoying a traditional ‘way of life’ immersed in bucolic surroundings, the reality can be radically different and the cost of such benefits high. Elevated levels of stress, physical injury and suicide have long been reported within the industry across the developed world (Arnautovska et al., 2015; Bossard et al., 2016; Earp, 2007; Firth et al., 2007; Furey et al., 2016; Hawton et al., 1998; Roy & Knežević Hočevar, 2019; Stark et al., 2006). The issue has received particular attention in Australia (e.g., Alston, 2012; Bryant & Garnham, 2015, 2014; Peel et al., 2016; Perceval et al., 2017) and the US (e.g., Ramos et al., 2016; Ringgenberg, 2014; Roy et al., 2017) where a comprehensive body of research has highlighted the importance of understanding and addressing the nuances and complexities of a myriad of stressors affecting farmers and their families.…”