"Honor Culture" Linked to Accidental Deaths

Aug. 15, 2011— -- Whites living in the southern and western states have higher rates of accidental deaths than whites in other parts of the country, which possibly stems from the "culture of honor" prevalent in these areas, according to new research.

Researchers from the University of Oklahoma define the culture of honor as "a characteristic of societies that place special emphasis on the aggressive defense of reputation," and data from two studies suggest their desire to be seen as tough and fearless might lead them to engage in risky behaviors that lead to accidental deaths.

List of States Considered to Have Honor Cultures

Using data on deaths from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the researchers determined that states with honor cultures had a 14 percent higher rate of accidental death than non-honor states. More rural areas in honor states had an even higher mortality rate at 19 percent. They estimate that more than 7,000 accidental deaths a year are linked to the honor culture nationwide.

"White males living in non-metropolitan areas in the U.S. in honor states are more prone to accidental deaths," said Ryan Brown, a study co-author and associate professor of social psychology at the University of Oklahoma in Norman. "They may be living with reckless abandon -- by not wearing a seat belt or a helmet, for example -- as a way of demonstrating they are tough and brave."

In a separate study, the authors found that men and women who held beliefs related to the honor code were more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors.