Researchers at the University of Kansas find that racism has minimal influence on individuals’ perspectives on gun ownership
How Racial Views Impact Americans’ Views of Gun Control and Gun Ownership
In a groundbreaking study titled “Cognitive and Apathetic Racism in Patterns of Gun Ownership and Gun Control Attitudes,” Professor Margaret Kelley from the University of Kansas explores the intricate connection between racial views and attitudes towards gun control and gun ownership.
Published in Sociological Inquiry, Kelley’s research reveals that while racism itself does not directly influence gun ownership, cognitive and apathetic indicators of racism can shape gun control attitudes among certain white individuals.
“The relationship between racism, racial attitudes, gun ownership, and gun control policies is complex,” Kelley explains. “Throughout history, gun ownership has been predominantly associated with white men, and the perception of protection from others has been a significant motivation for owning firearms, particularly handguns. Crime has also been racialized, leading many white individuals to associate it with people of color.”
Racial attitudes can also impact opinions on the right to carry weapons in public and restrictions on access to firearms.
The research paper, co-authored by Amie Nielsen and Oshea Johnson from the University of Miami, as well as Christopher Ellison and Bryan Gervais from the University of Texas at San Antonio, draws on data collected from Kelley and Ellison’s 2018 Guns in American Life Survey, which involved over 3,000 respondents.
Kelley emphasizes that the majority of gun owners are law-abiding citizens, and only a small percentage of firearms are linked to criminal activity or gun violence. She notes that approximately 40% of households and 30% of adults in the United States own at least one firearm.
“Many people own guns, and some individuals own multiple firearms,” Kelley states.
While initial associations between racism and gun ownership are accounted for by other factors in the data, Kelley suggests that political ideology may play a role. However, further investigation is necessary to pinpoint the exact reasons for the diminishing effects of racism on gun ownership models.
Kelley’s research introduces a novel measure of racism, challenging conventional measures like the standard racial resentment index. She argues that measures such as cognitive and apathetic racism provide more accurate readings.
Furthermore, Kelley highlights that racism has long been associated with other issues, including opinions on capital punishment and the use of force by the police.
“Although white men have traditionally been the primary gun owners in the U.S., this pattern has been shifting, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic,” Kelley observes. “More women and minorities have joined the ranks of gun owners than ever before.”
So, does this mean that racists are more likely to own guns? Or does it imply that gun owners are more likely to be racist?
“Contrary to some scholars, our research demonstrates that white individuals with racist attitudes are no more likely to own guns than those without such attitudes,” Kelley clarifies.
She adds, “We did not investigate whether gun owners are more likely to be racist than non-owners. Instead, we explored whether individuals with more negative racial attitudes are more inclined to oppose gun control measures and support concealed carry policies. Our findings support this notion, regardless of gun ownership status.”
Kelley emphasizes that her study encompasses a range of viewpoints on race among Americans, irrespective of gun ownership.
“Unfortunately, many Americans, including non-gun owners, hold negative racial attitudes,” she laments. “We do not claim that gun owners are inherently more racist than others. Racial attitudes are just one of many factors influencing Americans’ perspectives on gun control policies.”
While Kelley acknowledges that racism plays a small role in shaping gun-related attitudes, she believes it is crucial to recognize and understand the implications of racism in various aspects of society. She views her research as a step towards achieving that broader goal.
As of now, the University of Kansas has not provided information regarding the funding source and cost of this research.
How does exposure to media coverage emphasizing gun crime committed by people of color impact individuals’ opposition to gun control measures, particularly those with higher levels of cognitive racism
E accurate and nuanced insights into the relationship between racial views and gun control attitudes. Cognitive racism refers to conscious racial beliefs and stereotypes, while apathetic racism refers to unconscious biases and prejudices.
The study found that individuals with higher levels of cognitive racism were more likely to have negative attitudes towards stricter gun control measures, such as background checks and restrictions on firearms. These individuals believed that stricter gun control policies would disproportionately affect white gun owners and restrict their ability to protect themselves from perceived threats.
On the other hand, individuals with higher levels of apathetic racism were more likely to support stricter gun control measures. They believed that these measures would help reduce gun violence, which they associated with communities of color.
Interestingly, there were variations in these attitudes among different racial and ethnic groups. African Americans and Hispanics, for example, were more likely to support stricter gun control measures compared to white Americans. This suggests that racial attitudes and experiences influence individuals’ views on gun control and gun ownership differently.
Kelley’s research also sheds light on the role of media in shaping racial perceptions and attitudes towards gun control. She found that exposure to news coverage emphasizing gun crime committed by people of color strengthened the association between cognitive racism and opposition to gun control.
These findings have significant implications for policymakers and advocates of gun control measures. It highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses racial attitudes and perceptions, alongside stricter gun control policies, to effectively reduce gun violence.
It is important to note that this study focuses on the United States and may not necessarily apply to other countries with different historical and social contexts. However, it provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between racial views, gun control, and gun ownership in American society.
In conclusion, Professor Margaret Kelley’s research highlights the intricate connection between racial views and attitudes towards gun control and gun ownership. It reveals that cognitive and apathetic indicators of racism can shape individuals’ attitudes towards gun control. This research emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of racial dynamics in discussions and policies surrounding gun control in the United States.
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