Honor Killings as a Tool of Social Control: A Historical Perspective

Honor killing is a complex and controversial social phenomenon in the history of human civilization, referring to acts of murder committed in the name of preserving the perceived honor of an individual, family, or community. This study examines honor killing as an informal mechanism of social control and traces its historical evolution from ancient tribal societies to the contemporary digital age. Employing historical, sociological, and anthropological approaches, the research investigates the origins, development, and underlying social dynamics of honor-based violence across diverse civilizations, cultures, and religious contexts. The study highlights how patriarchal structures, gender norms, and honor-based value systems have contributed to the persistence of this practice over time, despite significant social and legal transformations. Furthermore, it explores the challenges posed by modern technological advancements and globalization in reshaping the nature and perception of honor-related crimes. By providing a comparative and analytical perspective, this research seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of honor killing as a social issue and its implications for human rights, gender equality, and social justice. The article was prepared with the help of the Quran, Hadith, various research books and digital resources. Descriptive and analytical methods have been followed in its formulation.

Honor Killing, Social Control, Patriarchy, Honor Culture, Human Rights, Social History, Gender Inequality

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