Cultural Honor Metrics explores how societies measure honor and social value, revealing the profound impact of these “honor metrics” on individual behavior and social structures. The book argues that while specific expressions of honor differ across cultures, the underlying psychological and social functions remain surprisingly consistent. For instance, the book highlights how honor systems can simultaneously promote social cohesion and contribute to conflict, a duality rooted in the enforcement of social norms.
The book systematically progresses from defining honor and social value to examining their manifestations in both small-scale and large-scale societies, including case studies from Latin America and East Asia. It delves into the psychological dimensions of honor, exploring how individuals internalize honor codes and the effects on self-esteem and identity.
A key feature is its development of a framework for systematically quantifying honor values, enabling cross-cultural comparisons and analysis. This innovative approach offers valuable insights for academics and policymakers interested in understanding and addressing cultural conflicts.
