The "Southern Subculture of Violence" Thesis and Patterns of Gun Ownership

Abstract

Several researchers (Reed, 1972; Gastil, 1971; Hackney, 1969) have suggested that rates of interpersonal violence, particularly homicide, are relatively high in the South because the subculture predisposes Southerners to use violence more frequently than others. This thesis has been questioned by Loftin and Hill (1974) and Erlanger (1975) who show that situational and structural factors could account for regional differences in interpersonal violence. Our present data casts doubt on another version of the subcultural thesis. Reed (1972) and Hackney (1969) argue that the relation between cultural differences and interpersonal violence may be indirectthat Southern socialization within the family has a lifelong effect on individuals which is reflected in differential gun ownership among adults and that the differential availability of guns results in higher rates of homicide. Recent research (Zimring, 1968, 1972; Newton and Zimring, 1969) on the “technical efficiency” of guns as weapons makes this explanation plausible. We examine the recent survey data bearing on this version of the thesis. Using log linear analysis, we find that the region of residence at age sixteen, that is, the region of socialization, does not make it more probable that an individual will own a handgun as as adult. This cast doubt on the indirect version of the subculture of violence thesis. In conclusion we suggest new directions for research on regional differences in gun ownership and interpersonal violence.

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