Dr. Šadauskas’ research, which culminated in his book “Expressions of Masculinity? Suicide Attempts in the Telšiai (Samogitian) Diocese in the Second Half of the 19th Century – Early 20th Century” (liet. „Vyriškumo raiška? Bandymai nusižudyti Telšių (Žemaičių) vyskupijoje XIX a. antrojoje pusėje – XX a. pradžioje“) : examines church court cases from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, revealing how suicide was perceived and punished in the past. His findings highlight the persistent nature of suicide-related factors, emphasizing that despite societal changes over centuries, the core reasons and gender disparities in suicide rates remain strikingly similar.
The significance of his research remains highly relevant today. Dr. Vilius Šadauskas initial work in social history was completed in 2017, when Lithuania had the highest suicide rate in Europe. Though his study received academic recognition, its findings were not widely disseminated. Since then, rector continued to explore social and historical phenomena, including orphans, abandoned children, and infanticide.
“These social issues are also analyzed in our university’s Gender Studies master’s program, the only such program in Lithuania. It is not only linked to feminism but also to masculinity studies and is particularly relevant for professionals working in social services,” Dr. Šadauskas added.
Watch the full discussion on Lietuvos Rytas TV: