Culture of Honor: Societal Influences on Interpersonal Violence
Interpersonal violence is a phenomenon with far-reaching implications for society, yet the precise mechanisms that result in it remain largely unknown. One possible explanation is the concept of a “culture of honor,” which proposes that certain societies are more prone to violence due to a shared belief system that emphasizes individual honor. This article will discuss the concept of a culture of honor, its theoretical implications, and the empirical evidence that supports its existence.
The concept of a culture of honor first emerged in the 1980s in the work of anthropologists Richard Nisbett and Dov Cohen. They argued that violence is more likely to occur in certain societies because of the value placed on individual honor. In a culture of honor, a man’s reputation for toughness and courage is essential for gaining respect from others and for achieving success in life. Consequently, any perceived insult or slight is likely to be met with aggression in order to protect one’s reputation.
The theoretical implications of a culture of honor are far-reaching. On the one hand, the concept implies that violence is an adaptive behavior in certain societies, as it serves to protect one’s reputation and social standing. On the other hand, it suggests that violence is a learned behavior that can be unlearned. If a society can be taught to value other qualities besides individual honor, then the prevalence of interpersonal violence should decrease.
Empirical evidence in support of the culture of honor hypothesis has come from studies of societies in the United States and other parts of the world. Studies have shown that people living in the American South, where a culture of honor has been documented, are more likely to engage in violent behavior than those living in other regions (Nisbett & Cohen, 1996; Cohen & Nisbett, 1997; Nisbett, 2005). Similarly, other studies have found that people living in Middle Eastern and Latin American countries, which have strong cultures of honor, are more likely to engage in violent behavior than those living in other parts of the world (Gibbs, 2006; Schultz, 2007).
In conclusion, the concept of a culture of honor provides a theoretically sound explanation for why some societies are more prone to violence than others. While further research is needed to better understand the precise mechanisms of a culture of honor, the existing evidence suggests that it is a valid explanation for the prevalence of interpersonal violence.
References
Cohen, D., & Nisbett, R. E. (1997). Culture of honor: The psychology of violence in the South. Boulder, CO: Westview Press.
Gibbs, J. T. (2006). Honor and violence in the Middle East. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Nisbett, R. E. (2005). Culture of honor: Understanding violence in the South. Boulder, CO: Westview Press.
Nisbett, R. E., & Cohen, D. (1996). Culture of honor: The psychology of violence in the South. Boulder, CO: Westview Press.
Schultz, K. (2007). Honor: A history. New York, NY: HarperCollins.