Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.

Sorry to be away for so long, but there's just been such a whirlwind of stuff these past few weeks. My last major project was a research proposal put together for the Mathematica summer research fellowship. Although research proposals don't readily come to mind when you think of art, there is and element of creativity in designing a study. So, I'm posting my abstract so you can take a look at my most recent attempts at utilizing the crafty part of my brain.

SUICIDE AS SOCIAL ACTION IN THE KOREAN

IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY

IMPLICATIONS FOR POLICY AND SERVICE PROVISION

Christine Kim

ABSTRACT

The Korean immigrant community in the United States has seen a spike in suicides among its members. Most often, economic hardship is the reason named for their tragic decisions. This trend in the United States echoes suicide statistics and motives in South Korea. Since the financial crisis of 1997, Korea has undergone major economic structural changes which have had a profound impact on their culture. Many scholars who have looked at this phenomenon often frame it as a micro problem, or as an individual choice stemming from personal difficulty couched in terms of larger systemic issues. However, there may be an alternative lens in which to view the increase in suicides. Given Korea’s collective values and its long history of suicide as an act of protest against political repression, the recent acts of suicide in the U.S. may be in the same action-oriented spirit. An alternative view of the problem may suggest a need to shift intervention methods and policy to more culturally appropriate strategies and may also call for programs that help alleviate the economic causal issues rather than the individual‘s symptoms.