McMusing: Honor Cultures
Sometimes I unintentionally pick up a hammer and hit the nail on the head.
Last Saturday, I posted a piece titled, The Harm Caused by Honor Culture. The intent was to use the term to discuss the ways that the church culture uses the commandment to honor parents to silence those who have experienced harm. I was so focused on this meaning of the made-up term that I failed to consider other ways it was used. That can be a problem, but in this case, it provides a larger context to church culture as an honor culture. I inadvertently picked up my hammer and hit the nail on the head.
Since it wasn’t actually something I was currently focusing on, I asked my friend, ChatGPT, to define and list the characteristics of honor cultures. I doubt that I am the first person to connect this and there are probably other resources that speak to it, but for the purpose of a McMusing, this will work.
Honor cultures are social systems where the concept of honor plays a central role in regulating behavior, relationships, and social interactions. Here are some key characteristics of honor cultures:
Emphasis on Reputation: In honor cultures, an individual's reputation and honor are of utmost importance. People are highly conscious of how their actions and behavior reflect on their reputation and the reputation of their family or group.
Hierarchical Structure: Honor cultures often have a hierarchical structure where status and honor are closely linked. Individuals may gain honor through achievements, adherence to social norms, or by belonging to a respected group or family.
Collective Identity: Honor is not just an individual concern but also a collective one. Families, clans, or other social groups may share a collective honor, and individuals are expected to uphold the honor of their group.
Codes of Conduct: Honor cultures typically have explicit or implicit codes of conduct that dictate acceptable behavior and actions. These codes often revolve around concepts like bravery, loyalty, honesty, and respect.
Response to Challenges: Challenges to one's honor are taken seriously and may lead to aggressive or confrontational responses. Defending one's honor, often through displays of strength or courage, is seen as necessary to maintain social standing.
Role of Gender: Gender roles and expectations can be particularly pronounced in honor cultures. Honor may be linked to notions of masculinity and femininity, with different expectations for how men and women should behave to uphold honor.
Justice and Retribution: Honor cultures may prioritize personal or collective justice and retribution over formal legal systems. Resolving disputes or avenging perceived wrongs can be seen as restoring honor.
Cultural Variation: It's essential to note that honor cultures can vary significantly across different societies and regions. What constitutes honor, how it is earned or lost, and the consequences of honor-related actions can differ widely.
As I read through the list, I realized it explained so many aspects of church culture and how far the description was from anything Jesus intended. Honoring and obeying not only parents but anyone in a position of authority is essential in an honor culture. God’s admonition to honor has lost its relational foundation of loving one another and been replaced by the hierarchal relationships inherent in an honor culture.
It is likely that I will return to this in the future, but for now, it seems that my use of the term Honor Culture managed to explain so much more than what I intended.