Understanding Public Perceptions of Firearms and Legislation: How Do These Drive Conversation?

• In Event: Public Perceptions and Firearms Enforcement

Abstract

Public perceptions of firearms have been extensively studied in the US; however, this is particularly neglected by Australian firearms research. Since the implementation of the National Firearms Agreement (NFA) in 1996 following the Port Arthur Massacre, Australian study has predominantly focused on the outcomes and impact of this legislation. Public perceptions impact legislation, and with increasing discussion around tightening restrictions, it is pertinent to understand why we are still having these conversations almost 30 years on. A convenience sample of first-year university students was utilized for a survey that included Cooke & Puddifoot’s (2000) version of Branscombe et al.’s (1991) Attitudes Towards Guns Scale. Comparisons between Australian, US, and UK respondents will be discussed, focusing on similarities and differences between each nationality in regard to the three subscales: Rights, Protection, and Crime. Cooke & Puddifoot (2000) added a non-subscale item regarding concealed carry; this will also be analyzed, given the differences in these laws across the three nations. The outcomes of this study will highlight where there is overlap between these countries with very different approaches to firearms.

Author

• Angela Elvery, University of Queensland