Confrontational and Revenge Homicides among Men in England and Wales

This article examines the nature of two predominant forms of masculine (male-on-male) homicide identified in England and Wales confrontational homicide and revenge homicide. Based on analysis of police murder investigation files, the article explores the distinct nature of these two forms of masculine homicide as well as some important shared characteristics. The findings are compared with previous research in this area, not least the work of Polk regarding masculine homicide in Australia (1994a, 1994b, 1995, 1999) which is particularly significant in this context. As well as exploring the literature regarding masculine homicide, the article considers the extent to which the identification of specific forms of masculine homicide can inform theoretical exploration of the role of gender in lethal violence.