Internet Exercises

Exercise 1

Go to http://www.nimh.nih.gov/research/suichart.cfm. Examine the graph provided by the National Institute of Mental Health labeled "U.S. Suicide Rates by Age, Gender, and Racial Group." Then, answer the following questions:

a. In terms of age, race, and gender, which group has the highest suicide rate?

b. In terms of age, race, and gender, which group has the lowest suicide rate?

c. How do you think these differences in suicide rates relate to the findings Durkheim discusses in Suicide?

Exercise 2

Go to http://www.bls.gov/oco/oco2003.htm. Scroll down several pages to the bold category labeled "Occupation." Click on Chart 7 entitled "Percent change in total employment by major occupational group, projected 2000-10." Then, answer the following questions:

a. Which type of occupation is experiencing the highest rate of growth?

b. Which type of occupation is experiencing the lowest rate of growth?

c. How do you think Durkheim would explain the data contained in this chart in relation to the division of labor?

d. What effect do you think these changes in occupation will have on organic solidarity?