NCJ Number
238718
Date Published
2009
Length
174 pages
Annotation
This book takes a comprehensive look at the relationship between guns, violence, and criminal behavior.
Abstract
This book provides a comprehensive exploration of the social processes surrounding illegal firearm use and criminal behavior. In-depth interviews with felons convicted of gun-related crimes along with previous quantitative studies, provides an examination of key issues of gun violence. Highlighting the overlooked symbolic power of guns in criminal situations, their findings underscore the power of social and cultural forces in affecting gun use. Chapter 1 serves to introduce key issues surrounding gun violence. Chapter 2 examines the reasons inmates use to explain their use of gun violence. Chapter 3 investigates the potential role of guns in producing and reproducing violent norms in street gang cultures. Chapter 4 explores inmate perceptions about the reasons that other people in society carry guns. Chapter 5 examines the interviewees' attitudes regarding gun laws. Chapter 6 provides major conclusions; conclusions from the overall research project are presented along with theoretical and methodological implications, as well as suggestions for future research. Tables, figures, references, and index