Honor Research Articles

Driven by Revenge: Why Chechen Foreign Fighters Have Joined Ukraine Against Russia

Abstract While the motivations of individuals to become foreign fighters have been at the forefront of academic interest, an important motive—revenge—has so far remained under-researched. Drawing on the case study of pro-Ukrainian Chechen foreign fighters self-deployed in the ongoing Russo-Ukraine War, this article seeks to fill the gap in the extant literature by identifying and conceptualizing revenge. This article posits that two intertwined motives—revenge for perceived historical injustices and revenge for personal wrongs—have played an important role in motivating Chechens to become foreign fighters in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. This article suggests that while revenge might be a potent driving force of foreign fighting, its appeal may be stronger in the cultures of honor with the persisting notion of retaliation.

Associations between gun violence exposure and suicide mortality rates in US counties.

Gun violence traumatizes communities and places a heavy burden on the mental health of those exposed. This ecological study examines the association between gun violence exposure and suicide mortality rates in US counties for the period 1999-2020 at various urbanicity levels. A Bayesian hierarchical Gamma-Poisson model with state random effects was employed to model the age-adjusted suicide mortality rates which adjusted for sex ratio, urbanicity, social vulnerability, gun ownership, culture of honor, and exposure spillovers from neighbouring counties. Results indicate a small significant positive association between gun violence and suicide mortality rates. Urbanicity levels do not appear to modify this association, although the association may be slightly smaller for large urban metros. Gun violence exposure may be positively associated with suicide mortality in US counties.

Managing the visibility of dissent: Stigma, social media, and family relationships among Azerbaijani activists

This study examines the strategies young Azerbaijani activists use to manage the visibility of their stigmatized political identities, particularly in relation to their families. Drawing on concepts of socially mediated visibility, stigma, and honor culture, we analyze interviews with 29 activists to explore how they navigate the complex trade-offs between visibility and concealment in an authoritarian context. Our findings highlight the central role of courtesy stigma and relational repression in shaping activists’ decisions, as they seek to balance their desire for political expression with the potential risks to their families. We also show how social media platforms both enable and complicate activists’ visibility management strategies. The study contributes to understanding the dynamics of activism and resistance in honor culture and authoritarian contexts.

Testing rurality as a moderator of associations between masculinity constructs, help-seeking, and firearm storage practices.

Self-reliance, emotional control, and honor ideology may prevent help-seeking when suicidal ideation emerges. Furthermore, these factors are associated with an increased likelihood of firearm ownership and unsecure storage, which could facilitate suicide attempts. The rurality of residence may impact these associations, as rural regions report increased independence, honor culture, and firearm prevalence. Therefore, this study examined how emotional control, self-reliance, and honor ideology relate to firearm storage and help-seeking for suicidal ideation, with rurality moderating these associations. Participants were 733 adults (63.6% female, 33.5% male, and 2.9% transgender/other) who reported past-month suicidal ideation. Analyses tested associations between emotional control, self-reliance, and honor ideology with help-seeking for suicidal ideation and firearm storage, with rurality moderating these associations. The association of self-reliance and decreased help-seeking willingness for suicidal ideation was significant for those in non-urban areas. The association of emotional control and decreased help-seeking willingness for suicidal ideation was significant for those in urban areas. No variables predicted firearm storage. Self-reliance and emotional control could be barriers for help-seeking regardless of gender identity that depend on rurality. Clinicians may target emotional control/self-reliance via strengths-based approaches with an emphasis on when these constructs could be maladaptive, as this could promote help-seeking.

Beyond the Dichotomy: Creation and Validation of a Continuous Statewide Index of U.S. Honor Culture.

Honor cultures are characterized by a heightened sensitivity to reputation threats and strong expectations for the defense of honor. U.S. states vary in the extent to which they express the cultural norms of honor, but researchers have frequently relied upon a dichotomous classification that differentiates states as honor or dignity states. We created and validated a continuous, six-item index of honor norms and values across all U.S. states (Study 1). In Study 2, our honor index was correlated with historical variables theoretically associated with the genesis of honor cultures. In Study 3, we validated our honor index further by showing that it predicted several race-/ethnicity-specific outcomes that prior research has connected with honor (e.g., homicide rates, suicide rates). This new index equips researchers with a more nuanced understanding of U.S. honor cultures and a measure that can be used in future investigations.

Moral Policing of Gender Norms: Honor-Based Violence as a Mobilizing Factor Towards Militant Islamism

Honor culture, in which the virtue of the family—if not community—depends on the “purity” of its female members, enforced through “moral policing” of gender norms to collectively control women’s sexuality and uphold a patriarchal gender order, is a central aspect of both honor-based violence and the Salafi-jihadist culture in militant Islamist milieus. Drawing on interviews with 1) an imprisoned Danish woman convicted of ISIS-related terrorism, 2) a mother of a deceased Swedish ISIS foreign fighter, who herself was previously part of the Salafi-jihadist milieu, and 3) “professionals” (e.g. police officers, social workers and municipal employees) conducted during ethnographic fieldwork in Sweden and prison ethnography in Denmark, this article explores how honor-based violence can constitute a mobilizing factor for Western Muslims towards militant Islamism in three distinct ways. First, isolation of Muslim women and children through gender segregation and restrictions on accessing public space to “moral police” gender norms enables the Salafi-jihadist milieu to cement and extend its ideological, religious, and physical control. Second, in an honor culture with intense pressure on men to defend and restore family honor whenever it is challenged, joining ISIS can be perceived as a means to fulfill this obligation, thereby affirming “real” Muslim masculinity and upholding a patriarchal gender order. The deeply ingrained cultural expectations to defend honor can even be exploited by militant Islamist milieus in their recruitment efforts. Third, besides providing a “safe space” where one cannot be persecuted and punished for dishonoring one’s family by leaving it as an unmarried woman, ISIS’s multiethnic diversity and embrace of interethnic marriage can be appealing for someone who wants to escape forced endogamous marriage. Given that honor-based violence strikes at the individual freedoms and rights, thereby undermining liberal democratic values and the rule of law, our article contributes knowledge on the broader threat to democracy from anti-democratic forces in the context of militant Islamism.

Studying the Factors Contributing to the Sexual Harassment of Women in Jalalabad City, Afghanistan: A Social Perspective

This research looked at the social causes of sexual harassment of women in Jalalabad City, Afghanistan, and discovered workable solutions. The study included descriptive analyses, content analysis, field-based data collecting, and a qualitative methodology. Semi-structured interviews with married women who experienced sexual harassment, offenders, and community members were used to gather qualitative data. Two hundred semi-structured interviews with a representative sample of married women in Jalalabad City, Afghanistan, were conducted as part of the survey research approach. This research examined the ways in which patriarchal attitudes, societal norms, dominant expectations, sexual perception, non-mahrams, cohabitation, excessive freedom, honor culture contribute to sexual harassment. The study, based on feminist theory, identified 20 societal factors contributing to sexual harassment, including social stigma, lack of knowledge, and negligent legal enforcement, and suggested preventive measures like community education campaigns and legislative changes. In Jalalabad City, Afghanistan, sexual harassment of women is a serious issue with societal contributing elements. Effective prevention of sexual harassment requires a holistic strategy that addresses societal norms, empowers women, and strengthens legal frameworks, while also considering cultural norms, inadequate enforcement mechanisms, and a culture of silence. In order to advance gender equality, provide safer surroundings, and stop sexual harassment of women in Jalalabad City, Afghanistan, this paper makes specific recommendations for legislators, non-governmental organizations, and local authorities. Based on these findings, this study recommends evidence-based prevention methods. These could involve advertisements for sexual harassment awareness, legal changes for better protection, and training for law enforcement on handling complaints more effectively.

Taming Muslim Masculinity: Patriarchy and Christianity in German Immigrant Integration

This article analyzes a growing sector of state-funded pedagogies designed to reform Muslim masculinity in Germany. These programs present Muslim men as suffering from a psychopathology rooted in an alleged Islamic “honor culture”. They rely on a mix of Christian and non-religious welfare providers to supply Muslim youth with alternative masculine role models. We trace three implications of this arrangement: First, these programs' culturalist approach perpetuates Orientalist hierarchizations of masculinity. Second, the de-Islamized masculinity these programs construct as normatively binding revolves around a heteronormative patriarchy imagined as benevolent, thereby reinforcing the subjection of women. Third, these educational initiatives yoke the reform of Muslim masculinity to male participants' dramatic conversion to a Christian-German culture that blurs the line between the religious and the nonreligious. We suggest that studies of (hegemonic) masculinity in Europe ought to attend to the salience of the nation-state and to the public relevance of Christianity—two dimensions given short shrift in recent theorizing.

Honor Endorsement and Increased Firearm Purchasing Behavior and Intentions During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The surge in firearm sales from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic have been linked to increases in firearm violence, which is of public concern given that having firearms in one's home is associated with increased risk for domestic violence and suicide. Consistent with pre-pandemic trends, individuals tended to purchase firearms for self-protection during COVID-19. Prior work indicates that protective firearm ownership is motivated not only by perceptions that the world (and one's local environment) is dangerous, but also by one's endorsement of masculinity norms found in U.S. cultures of honor (primarily southern and western states). Honor-based masculinity norms emphasis reputation defense, toughness, and an absolute intolerance of disrespect. The present research examined the relative motivating influences of various threat perceptions and masculine honor endorsement in predicting reasons for non-COVID-19 firearm ownership, firearm purchasing during COVID-19, and purchase intentions. Three separate samples (total N = 2483) of mostly White U.S. men completed online surveys during different months of the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants completed measures of their endorsement of masculine honor norms, factors associated with firearm purchasing (e.g., dangerous world beliefs, intolerance of uncertainty), and firearm purchasing behaviors. Results indicated that masculine honor endorsement was higher among (1) protective firearm owners compared to non-owners and non-protective owners, (2) firearm owners who purchased a firearm during COVID-19 compared to non-owners and non-purchasing owners, and (3) firearm owners with intentions to purchase firearms in the next year compared to those without intentions and undecided owners. Relative to other predictors (e.g., COVID-19 concerns, dangerous world beliefs), masculine honor endorsement was consistently the strongest predictor of these outcomes. Findings add to the literature by highlighting the strength of masculine honor endorsement in motivating (protective) firearm ownership. Implications for interpersonal violence and suicide are discussed.

How far can genealogies affect the space of reasons? Vindication, justification and excuses

ABSTRACT Pragmatic vindicatory genealogies provide both a cause and a rationale and can thus affect the space of reasons. But how far is the space of reasons affected by this kind of genealogical argument? What normative and evaluative implications do these arguments have? In this paper, I unpack this issue into three different sub-questions and explain what kinds of reasons they provide, for whom are these reasons, and for what. In relation to this final sub-question I argue, most importantly, that these arguments are ambiguous about what they give us reasons for, meaning that they can be interpreted both as justifications for recognizing the normative standing of certain norms, values, and practices – and thus for living by them – and as excuses for those that do so. I illustrate this point by reference to the genealogical vindication of honor cultures, showing how the vindicatory argument can illuminate such case as one of excusing moral ignorance. Drawing on legal theory and moral philosophy, I show that different evaluative and normative implications hang on the result of the interpretation as either justification or excuse, and show that this ambiguity is a virtue rather than a limitation.

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Cultural Frames of Deviance. Muslim Religiousness and Adolescents’ Attitudes Toward Violent Control of Female Behavior

ABSTRACT Using a survey of a culturally and religiously diverse students in Germany, we investigate the influence of Muslim religiousness on violence-accepting gender role orientations. We argue that the religious frame of “fornication” (zinā) defines deviance and refers to a cultural frame of order between and within clans in non-state societies, namely the “culture of honor.” Muslim religiousness has a robust effect on violence-accepting gender role orientations, controlling for culture of honor and confounders. Results of cross-level interactions indicate a social influence on these attitudes, which we interpret as a social proof mechanism: the higher the share of religious Muslims in a school class-context, the higher the acceptance of violent-accepting attitudes. We also show that Muslim religiousness tends to increase the accordance with violent control of females within the family. We argue that according to the religious-cultural frame of a divine order, zinā is interpreted as a violation of a sacred norm and thus as deviant.

School Honor Cultures and Violence: The Role of Cultural Orientation and Dispersion

We examine whether adolescents attending schools with honor-oriented cultures are more likely to engage in violence, net of their own honor attitudes. Studies typically estimate a culture’s strength by averaging the residents’ attitudes, but this cannot adequately account for variation among residents. Recent research in cultural sociology suggests that a culture’s orientation and dispersion are influential. Using data from the Second International Self-Reported Delinquency Study (ISRD-2), we disentangle the honor orientation and homogeneity of school cultures and examine their additive and multiplicative effects on violent offending. We find that adolescents who attend schools with stronger honor-oriented cultures are more likely to engage in violence, irrespective of their own honor attitudes. This relationship is stronger in schools with greater homogeneity. These results suggest that accounting for the honor orientation of school cultures as well as their level of dispersion is important for understanding cultural processes.

Regulasi emosi dan perilaku agresi siswa: Budaya kehormatan sebagai mediator

This research aims to determine the role of honor culture in mediating emotional regulation and students' aggressive behavior at school. The research participants were 245 students at high schools in Manggarai Regency, Flores, NTT, Indonesia who were recruited using purposive judgment sampling techniques. Research data collection used an aggression behavior scale, an emotional regulation scale and a culture of honor scale. All scales have been validated using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Data analysis used a mediation model regression, with the help of the SPSS For Windows 3.5.2 program. The research results show that honor culture plays a significant role in mediating the relationship between emotional regulation and students' aggressive behavior. Educators should empower a culture of honor to improve students' emotional regulation so that they do not behave aggressively at school.

The Dilemma of Free Speech: Confrontations and Restrictions in Pakistan

In Pakistan, the pursuit of freedom of expression encounters a complex landscape marked by aspirations for an open society and significant challenges and restrictions. This article explores the multifaceted dilemma of free speech in Pakistan, addressing the tensions between individual liberties, societal norms, political interests, and security concerns. Legal constraints, particularly blasphemy laws and defamation statutes, hinder free expression, while political dynamics, including authoritarian governance and the influence of religious extremism, exacerbate confrontations and restrictions. Journalists face threats and harassment, and the digital sphere is subject to increased censorship. Societal attitudes rooted in religious conservatism, honor culture, and patriarchal structures perpetuate self-censorship and conformity. Despite these challenges, voices of resistance persist, including civil society organizations and human rights activists advocating for pluralism and accountability. The research aims to analyze the legal, political, social, and cultural factors shaping the dilemma of free speech in Pakistan, highlighting the need to address root causes, foster dialogue, and promote tolerance for progress towards a more open and inclusive society.

Perceived reputation moderates the link between honor concerns and depressive symptoms

ABSTRACT Prior research has shown that U.S. cultures of honor have higher rates of depression and suicide. While links between honor endorsement and suicide have been established in the literature, a direct test of the primary mechanism underlying this association (reputation damage leading to depression) has not yet been tested. The current study sought to address whether shifts in perceived reputation might be associated with higher levels of depression for honor endorsing individuals. An online sample of 305 participants were tracked across two time points, assessing perceived individual reputation and perceived family reputation, as well as depressive symptoms. Analyses revealed that higher levels of honor concern at Time 1 were linked with higher levels of depressive symptoms at Time 2, but only for those with low perceived reputation – these relationships held while controlling for the stability in reputation and depression across time points, as well as controlling for participants’ gender. Findings provide the first empirical evidence that reputation damage may contribute to detriments in mental health in honor endorsers.

Honor Values as Identity Content: Evidence From a Three-Wave Longitudinal Study.

Reputation refers to the set of judgments a community makes about its members. In cultures of honor, reputation constitutes one of the most pressing concerns of individuals. Reputational concerns are intimately intertwined with people's social identities. However, research has yet to address the question of how honor-related reputational concerns are structured at the within-person level vis-à-vis individuals' identification with relevant group memberships. The present longitudinal study investigated the association between social identification and reputational concerns in southern Italy (N1st-wave = 1,173), a little-studied culture of honor. Specifically, using a random intercept cross-lagged panel model, we tested whether reputational concerns predict, are predicted by, or are bidirectionally linked to individuals' identification with their region, a group membership relevant for the endorsement of honor. Findings revealed a positive association at the within-person level between group identification and subsequent honor-related concerns. Longitudinal paths from reputational concerns to identification were not significant. Implications of the findings and directions for future research are discussed.

Atypical Postmortem "Incaprettamento" After an Honor Homicide.

Honor killing is a murder carried out to protect the family's reputation by actions that are perceived as shameful. Usually, honor killing occurs to preserve family's honor, which has been violated by adulteries, premarital pregnancies, or inappropriate relationships. In Southern Italy, the culture of honor is quite strong especially among the local criminal organizations. Honor crimes by Italian Mafia are intended to have an admonitory significance, and they can be carried out following a macabre ritual of "incaprettamento." The aim is to humiliate the victim treating him like an animal, a bonded young goat where the victim is secured by a rope passing behind the back from the upper to lower extremities. In this case study, the honor homicide was perpetrated against the lover of a butcher's wife by sharp weapon, followed by a postmortem atypical incaprettamento of the corpse. The wrists and ankles were tied together by ropes, and the extremities were fixed to the abdomen with a string. The body was also wrapped in a plastic tape after penile amputation. According to killer's confession, the mutilation and the incaprettamento were expressions of revenge and contempt for the victim to restore the honor lost.

Comparing self‐esteem discrepancies in Pakistan and Canada

AbstractThe cross‐cultural universality of people's pursuit of positive self‐esteem is frequently disputed. Most research in this area has contrasted cultures of dignity (Western) and face cultures (East Asian), but less attention has been given to other cultures' views of self‐esteem. In the present work, we examined Pakistan as uniquely influenced by honour culture and South Asian argumentation culture principles, and we contrasted it with Canada (a Western culture of dignity). Across two studies, Pakistanis had less positive self‐esteem discrepancies (i.e., Pakistanis had minimal or no desire for higher self‐esteem) compared to Canadians (who desired much higher self‐esteem than they actually had). Pakistanis also believed less in the agentic benefits of high self‐esteem but more in the communal benefits of high self‐esteem than did Canadians. Differences in each cultures' beliefs about self‐esteem's causal powers partially accounted for the differences in self‐esteem discrepancies. These findings suggest unique conceptualizations of the value of self‐esteem in distinct cultures.

Letters of challenge: displayed writing, urban public space and honour culture in seventeenth-century Madrid

Abstract Focusing on seventeenth-century Madrid, this article explores the interplay between urban public space and a specific type of written defamatory statements, the carteles de desafío or letters of challenge, with the aim of examining the implications of this interaction. Letters of challenge were primarily conceived as a communication tool between the participants in duels and challenges. Displayed in public spaces, they could take on new meanings and even replace the combat itself, while at the same time perpetuating the values of a male honour culture that encouraged the use of violence among large sectors of society to settle disputes.