Citation

Huff-Corzine L, Corzine J, Moore DC. Soc. Forces 1991; 69(3): 715-732.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1991, Social Forces Journal, Publisher University of North Carolina Press)

DOI

10.1093/sf/69.3.715

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

For over a century, studies have consistently reported high rates of homicide in the Southern section of the United States. Some researchers argue that cultural differences tied to region are of primary importance in explaining this pattern, while others attribute high levels of homicide in the South to structural influences, particularly severe poverty. We examine the effects of structural poverty and regional influence, i.e., "Southemness," on state lethal-violence rates (LVRs) and suicide-homicide ratios (SHRs) for blacks and whites. Supporting past research that explains the link between economic deprivation and violence by a modified frustration-aggression model, we find that severe poverty is positively associated with lethal-violence rates for both races. Percent bom in the South, our measure of regional influence, has no significant impact on the LVR, but it affects the mix of violence by increasing the proportion that is expressed as homicide among both blacks and whites. On the other hand, poverty increases the level of suicide relative to homicide for whites, but it does not for blacks. Implications for future research designed to unravel the social forces affecting the volume and type of lethal violence in populations are discussed. © 1991 The University of North Carolina Press.

Language: en