Despair, a Widening Sea

Despair is an aspect of the human condition. At some point in our lives, any one of us may experience moments of hopelessness.  We’re vulnerable to a vast variety of forces, from family matters to economic problems, from things within our control to realities that extend beyond us, like our country of origin and the century into which we’re born.

A recent article in the Washington Post reports on the research of Princeton professors Ann Case and Angus Deaton, who, since they began their study in 1999,  have noted rising suicide rates among white, non-Hispanic Americans. By contrast, the rate has decreased among blacks, Hispanics and Europeans.

In rural areas, specifically outside the cities and big-city suburbs, the rates are higher.  They also find a correlation to educational level: People with only high school diplomas are at greater risk than those with college degrees. 

What had been true in the past—the ability to move up the ladder with a high- school education and on the job training—no longer applies. While working class whites expect to do at least as well as their parents, they fall short of achieving a comfortable life style and experience a sense of hopelessness and failure. Dashed expectations lead to frustration, family problems and addictions. (By contrast, compared to their parents, the quality of life among blacks, Hispanics and Europeans has improved.)

The authors don’t speculate further, but here are some thoughts.

City-dwellers have many diversions, while people who live in the country are more likely to suffer from lack of stimulation. As a result, frustrated country dwellers may be more likely to turn to addictions and become further alienated from family and friends. 

The diversity of cities demands less conformity with greater inclusiveness that lessens isolation. Cities also provide more opportunities for treatment of depression and addiction.

Conclusion:  Working class Americans without college degrees increasingly suffer from despair and suicide as a result of dashed expectations and the isolation of rural life.

Dear Reader, I welcome your thoughts. jsimon145@gmail.com