Subculture of Violence Theory

Shelly Clevenger

The subculture of violence refers to a set of norms, values, or attitudes that exist within a group and in which violence is an accepted part of the lifestyle of that group. In general, a subculture is formed by those who share something in common, such as class, ethnicity, religion, or place of residence. Social science theorists have observed that subcultures may establish social norms that are in opposition to those of the society at large, such as those regarding violence. A subculture of violence is characterized by its members' shared belief that violence is part of a way of life, a way to end disputes, and a way to gain respect and prove one's manhood. In the United States, subcultures of violence are commonly associated with certain regions or groups of people, for example, among young urban minority males and in the rural South, though such subcultures exist in ...

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