Tested 5 propositions regarding gun ownership. Data for analysis were taken from the General Social Survey of the National Data Program for Social Science, gathered in 1973 by the National Opinion Research Center. A multistate area probability sample to the block level was used, resulting in a sample of 1,504 persons 18 yrs of age and older. Interview questions assessed the variables of violence proneness, liberalism, pessimism, fear in neighborhood, victim status, and gun ownership. Significant correlations were obtained which support the predictions that gun ownership decreases as liberalism increases, increases as violence proneness increases, and decreases as pessimism increases. The prediction of higher gun ownership among victims of crime than among nonvictims was not supported, and contrary to prediction, gun ownership decreased as fear in the neighborhood increased.
Why people own guns.
GVPedia Study Database
Why people own guns.
Category: Behavior|Journal: Journal of Communication|Author: J McGrath, W Sherwood|Year: 1976