Contributing Factors for High Homicide Rate in Latin America: A Critical Test of Neapolitan’s Regional Subculture of Violence Thesis

Abstract

The present study critically reviewed and tested Neapolitan’s proposition (1994) that the regional subculture of violence, which encompasses machismo, may explain the high homicide rates of Latin American nations. By using a more updated and larger international homicide data set, the current multiple regression analysis did not support Neapolitan’s argument. Instead, structural factors such as high level of poverty, income inequality, illiteracy, and alcohol consumption level, were shown to be more important predictors for the high homicide rates in Latin America. Thus, the research result weakened Neapolitan’s suggestion (1994) that there are unique components, like regional culture of violence, in Latin American for its high homicide rate. Thus, the current research overcame a biased cultural view by Neapolitan’s study (1994). Finally, the current paper discusses the weaknesses of Neapolitan’s subcultural perspective.