NCJ Number
145286
Journal
Journal of Quantitative Criminology Volume: 9 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1993) Pages: 289-307
Date Published
1993
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This study examined how types of gun ownership interact with residency in the South, controlling for the effects of other variables, to determine preferences for three types of gun control.
Abstract
Previous surveys have shown that Southerners have higher levels of gun ownership than persons who reside elsewhere. This may be due to cultural factors peculiar to the Southern region. If so, this would have significant implications for gun control initiatives. Although the differential in gun ownership has been linked to varying support or opposition to gun control, researchers have not examined the relationship between this variable and types of gun control. The study used 1975 data collected by Decision Making Information, Inc. The data were obtained from a random sample of 1,538 noninstitutionalized adults in the United States. An analysis of several logistic regression equations indicates that a cultural component related to Southernness, affects attitudes toward gun control. Generally, Southerners were the most opposed to permits and handgun bans. Southern shotgun owners were the most opposed to gun registration. These findings indicate the importance of considering region, culture, and gun type when addressing public attitudes toward gun control issues. 2 tables and 28 references