NCJ Number
116227
Journal
Advocate Volume: 2 Issue: 2 Dated: (February 1989) Pages: 36-37
Date Published
1989
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This brief review of literature on regional subculture and homicide indicates that, to date, research has not demonstrated that a subculture of violence accounts for comparatively high homicide rates in Southern States.
Abstract
Some of the early studies that used the subculture-of-violence thesis to explain the high homicide rates in Southern States found support for this idea. More recent researchers, however, question the methodologies used, i.e., sampling techniques, indicators selected, and appropriate statistical tests. Ball-Rokeach (1973) concluded that the subculture-of-violence thesis cannot be explained by values and attitudes. She speculates that values and attitudes may have very little impact on violent behavior. Situational factors, such as access to weapons, exposure to drugs and alcohol, the crime rate in the immediate environment, population density, or level of intergroup conflict, may better explain homicide rates. In 1984, using 1970 aggregated census data, Williams examined the effects of poverty and race on homicide rates in 125 Standard Metropolitan Statistical Areas with a population of 250,000 or more. A significant finding was that a relatively large black population was associated with high homicide rates. Although this may indicate violent subculture, it could also result from unmeasured economic variables. Overall, it is likely that violent behavior is an interacting function of the values, attitudes, economic, and demographic characteristics of all parties involved. 7 notes.