Pennsylvanian's Support for Gun Control

Recent incidents of gun violence have raised questions about public access to “military-style” firearms and the need for more-restrictive forms of gun control. Proponents of more-restrictive forms of gun regulation argue that such measures will help combat the disproportionately high rates of gun crime in the United States. Opponents believe that such measures infringe upon Constitutional rights and hinder law-abiding citizens' abilities to adequately defend themselves. This project explores the characteristics of gun owners living in Pennsylvania and public perceptions of three different categories of gun control. Results indicate that most gun owners have received some form of training and take appropriate safety precautions with their firearms. Further, 1 in 4 gun owners reported using their firearm in self-defense at some point in their life. Regarding gun control, most participants favored strategies intended to keep guns away from dangerous people, such as required background checks for all types of gun purchases, mental health screenings, and mandatory gun education. However, most participants opposed complete firearm bans. Among those who are the least supportive of such policies are those who are the most knowledgeable about gun crime, gun legislation, and gun functioning. Policy implications are discussed within.

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Work Title Pennsylvanian's Support for Gun Control
Subtitle Does Knowledge Influence Opinions?
Access
Open Access
Creators
  1. Tyler Frye
Keyword
  1. Gun control
  2. Defensive gun usage
  3. Perceptions of firearms
License In Copyright (Rights Reserved)
Work Type Poster
Acknowledgments
  1. Penn State Altoona Office of Reseach and Sponsored Programs
Publication Date 2021
Deposited April 07, 2021

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Version 1
published

  • Created
  • Updated Acknowledgments Show Changes
    Acknowledgments
    • Penn State Altoona Office of Reseach and Sponsored Programs
  • Added Creator Tyler Frye
  • Added V2_Gun Control Poster_final.pdf
  • Updated License Show Changes
    License
    • https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/
  • Published
  • Updated
  • Updated