Attitudes and the Instrumental Value of Violence in Hockey: A Test of the Occupational Subculture of Violence Thesis

Violence attracts considerable attention in society. It is a complex phenomenon, playing significant roles in both social control and social demise. It exists in a variety of forms and contexts, and consequently, no one definition, explanation, or theory can encompass its meaning. An age old argument exists as to whether or not violence is best explained as innate or as a learned behaviour. This study is a test of the Occupational Subculture of Violence Thesis. This theory stipulates that people will adopt and adhere to specific violent behaviours in order to gain and maintain acceptance and membership in an occupational setting. The theory was tested by examining attitudes towards violence, including the acceptance of violence and beliefs about the instrumental nature of violence, among male hockey players.