Values and Violence: A Test of the Subculture of Violence Thesis

This research examines the hypothesis that violent behavior results from a commitment to a subcultural value and attitude pattern. Special attention is given to Wolfgang and Ferracutti's subculture of violence thesis. Two types of violent behavior are considered - interpersonal violence and violent crime. Findings are drawn from two independent studies: one on the values and attitudes associated with interpersonal violence in a national area probability sample of 1,429 adult Americans, and the other on value differences among 363 men incarcerated in a Michigan prison for various violent and non-violent felonious offenses. The data do not support the subculture of violence explanation of violent behavior. Additional findings are presented which indicate, in the national sample, that neither socioeconomic status nor social class values are associated with violence.