NCJ Number
213494
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 34 Issue: 1 Dated: January/February 2006 Pages: 1-16
Date Published
January 2006
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study tested the subcultural theory of White violence that suggests that loss of status among some White males due to social change over the past four decades has enhanced the traditional patriarchal and masculine characteristics of this group, ultimately leading to higher levels of violence.
Abstract
Overall, the results failed to support the subcultural thesis of White violence. Data indicated that despite major changes in American society over the past 40 years, cross-sectional models showed that levels of homicide have generally held steady over the same period. However, the findings do not render the subcultural explanation irrelevant. The findings hinted that the subcultural explanation for White violence might be able to explain variations in the strength of specific subcultures and types of violence; for example, Far Right wing paramilitary groups and the use of political violence. The subcultural explanation seems incapable, however, of accounting for variations in interpersonal violence. Data on homicide rates at the State level were drawn from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI’S) Supplementary Homicide Report (SHR) for 1998 through 2001, while other information was gathered from the U.S. Census, the American Religion Data Archive, the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the Anti-Defamation League, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Data were analyzed using Ordinary Least Squares regression techniques. Future research should continue to test new theories of homicide trends. Tables, notes, references