Differences in Perceptions of Gun-Related Safety by Race and Gun Ownership in the United States

Julie A Ward; Mudia Uzzi; Talib Hudson; Daniel W Webster; Cassandra K Crifasi

doi:10.1017/jme.2023.38

Differences in Perceptions of Gun-Related Safety by Race and Gun Ownership in the United States

J Law Med Ethics. 2023;51(1):14-31. doi: 10.1017/jme.2023.38. Epub 2023 May 25.

Authors

Julie A Ward¹, Mudia Uzzi¹, Talib Hudson², Daniel W Webster¹, Cassandra K Crifasi¹

Affiliations

¹ CENTER FOR GUN VIOLENCE SOLUTIONS, JOHNS HOPKINS BLOOMBERG SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, BALTIMORE, MD, USA.
² THE NEW HOOD, THE NEW SCHOOL, NEW YORK, NY, USA.

Abstract

Motivated by disparities in gun violence, sharp increases in gun ownership, and a changing gun policy landscape, we conducted a nationally representative survey of U.S. adults (n=2,778) in 2021 to compare safety-related views of white, Black, and Hispanic gun owners and non-owners. Black gun owners were most aware of homicide disparities and least expecting of personal safety improvements from gun ownership or more permissive gun carrying. Non-owner views differed. Health equity and policy opportunities are discussed.

Keywords: Firearms; Gun-Related Beliefs; Health Equity; Health Status Disparities; Personal Safety; Public Opinion.

MeSH terms

Adult
Black or African American / psychology
Black or African American / statistics & numerical data
Firearms / statistics & numerical data
Gun Violence* / ethnology
Gun Violence* / psychology
Gun Violence* / statistics & numerical data
Health Equity
Hispanic or Latino / psychology
Hispanic or Latino / statistics & numerical data
Homicide
Humans
Ownership* / statistics & numerical data
Safety*
United States / epidemiology
White / psychology
White / statistics & numerical data