Variation in Culture Among Stateless Locations? An Exploratory Analysis of ‘Cultures of Restraint’ and Cross-National Homicide Rates

Previous research suggests an association between weak or illegitimate governments and higher homicide rates. However, little attention has been paid to cultural variation across societies with illegitimate governments and its impact on homicide rates. The current study examines the association between the cultural continuum between ‘restraint’ and ‘indulgence’ and cross-national variation in homicide. This cultural dimension captures the degree to which a society values enjoyment of life through indulging in easy gratification versus restraint from gratification in favor of adhering to strict societal norms. Regression analyses reveal that cultural restraint is associated with lower rates of homicide. Supplementary analyses suggest that this relationship is likely limited to nations with low degrees of government legitimacy.