A Deadly Code of 'Honor'

Men who live in the South and West are more likely to live by a code that values defending one's honor at all costs. That mindset is linked to higher rates of accidental death.

"People who embrace these values also report more risk-taking," says Ryan Brown, Ph.D., at the University of Oklahoma, in Norman.

Dr. Brown compared rates of accidental deaths - those caused by car accidents or drowning, for instance - across the U.S. He found the rates were higher in the South and West - where men tend to follow a "culture of honor" - than in "non-honor" states such as New York, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

Students' beliefs

He also surveyed 103 college students from his university, including 79 women. He measured how much they believed in a culture of honor, looked at their risk-taking behavior, and had them complete a self-esteem test.

Dr. Brown found that for both men and women, the more they followed a culture of honor, the more likely they were to engage in risky behaviors.

Historical context

Other researchers have traced the origins of this mode of thinking to Scottish immigrants who arrived in the U.S. in the 18th century. Although it may seem an archaic mind set, it still exists today, particularly in small, rural towns.

In modern times, "if you stand the risk of losing your livelihood easily and the state is not around to protect you, you are going to develop this kind of culture of honor," says Richard Nisbett, Ph.D., at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.

It's not just showing off for women, although that is part of it, Dr. Nisbett adds. It's also showing other guys your toughness.

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