Honor Killing, Shame, and Toxic Masculinity

Abstract

Honor killings are violent, one-sided, and planned crimes that are frequently committed by women in patriarchal cultures, such as those of Muslims, Hindus, and Christians. These crimes damage a family's reputation and cause humiliation; they are often committed by individuals working independently on behalf of specific organizations. In collectivist cultures, where honor is valued above all else and losing respect is considered a fatal offense, honor killings are common. Honor killings can be explained by the sociopsychological idea of social death, which refers to the process of establishing one's identity via acceptance and social interaction. By classifying cultural concepts as male or female, establishing hierarchies, and imposing rewards or punishments for violations, the gender binary has made oppression easier. Women lose control over their lives as a result of internalized sexism and Chauvinism, which support male-dominated power structures. Women are harmed by the toxic masculinity that permeates machismo culture, even though their physical presence can challenge patriarchal constraints. Guilt is connected to the transgression of moral or ethical norms, while shame is a social emotion that stresses self-evaluation and is connected to the idea of being "bad." Shame can cause social disengagement, reduce the value of relationships, and cause embarrassment and social anxiety.