culture of honor

n. Cultures of honor are characterized by values and behavioral norms emphasizing the centrality of status and reputation. For males, this means demonstrating toughness and the willingness to use aggression if one's reputation is challenged or to avenge a perceived insult. For females, codes of honor often focus on avoiding behaviors that could cause shame or dishonor for oneself or one's family. This often means placing a strong emphasis on female modesty and moral (particularly sexual) purity. Cultures of honor often have elaborate informal rules about politeness, codes of conduct, and proper rules for redressing grievances. These cultures also tend to be characterized by extreme sensitivity to insult; consequently, rates of violence tend to be relatively high in honor cultures. Scholars have recorded detailed ethnographies of honor cultures in the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Latin and South America, and the American South. In addition, certain subcultures such as the military, the mafia, and those in the inner cities emphasize honor or related constructs.                                                  

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