Why Does Johnny Reb Die When Shot? The Impact of Medical Resources upon Lethality*

Abstract

One current theoretical explanation for southern dominance in homicide rates is that the South constitutes a “regional culture of violence.” Although this perspective has generated, several critical responses, the debate has not stimulated much theoretical development. The present study distinguishes lethal from nonlethal violence and contends that medical intervention is a critical intervening factor in the production of homicide rates. Consequently, it is suggested that states with relatively less adequate medical resources experience higher homicide rates, not because of their “southernness,” but because of limited access to proper medical care. The analyses provide some support for the idea that the differential distribution of medical resources is partially responsible for some of the variation in regional homicide rates.