You’re probably aware that the vast majority of murders are committed by young men. But did you know that their victims are also mostly young men? In general, murder rates are highest where law enforcement is ineffective, which creates what’s called ‘a culture of honour’, where men fiercely resist even the slightest disrespect.
A killing generally starts over a matter of personal integrity, status, or a woman, usually in front of people that both men know. Neither’s willing to back down and a murder results. Mostly, the men involved are defending the only valuable thing they’ve got. A reputation for refusing to be pushed around. So the vast majority of murders aren’t committed by evil people. Much more often, it’s just one young man killing another in a violent argument. By comparison, the number of murders committed by women is minimal.
