The Southern Subculture of Punitiveness? Regional Variation in Support for Capital Punishment

Abstract

This study explores the relevance of the “southern subculture of violence” thesis in a context not previously examined: attitudes toward capital punishment for convicted murderers. If southerners are more aggressive in their interpersonal relationships, then to what degree do cultural factors affect their punishment decisions? Analysis of data from the 1990 General Social Survey indicates little overall variation in levels of support for the death penalty between southerners and nonsoutherners. However, separate analyses of southerners and nonsoutherners indicate that region conditions the effects of racial prejudice, religious fundamentalism, and political conservatism on support for capital punishment. The results suggest the importance of recognizing not only the contextual nature of “southern violence” but also the variability of southern identity as well.