The United States possesses more civilian-owned guns than any other nation, with many Americans valuing gun rights and ownership as guaranteed by the Second Amendment. However, America also experiences more annual gun deaths than most other developed Western nations. Issues of regulating access to firearms, concealed carry laws, types of weapons permitted, age limits, background checks, sales loopholes, mass shootings, homicides, and suicides are intensely diverging. Advocates for more lenient legislation and increased availability of weapons argue based on constitutionally guaranteed rights and the capacity to protect oneself. Advocates for stricter gun control measures highlight the elevated incidence of firearm fatalities and injuries in comparison to other advanced countries.
According to the structural-functionalist perspective, gun ownership is vital in U.S. society and contributes to social stability and order. Guns allow for self-defense and protection, uphold moral values of independence and self-reliance, and facilitate recreational activities like hunting and sport shooting that reinforce social bonds and community. However, structural functionalists also recognize that high rates of gun violence in the U.S. are a sign of dysfunction that threatens social equilibrium (Robertson). They would likely advocate gun control measures aimed at reducing gun deaths and injuries while still allowing responsible citizens to own guns for protection and sports. Overall, structural functionalists try to take a balanced view, supporting gun ownership when it serves positive functions but also supporting sensible regulations when guns destabilize communities or undermine shared values.
Conflict Theory sees society as characterized by groups competing for power and resources. Issues of gun ownership and control can be viewed through this lens. Those who advocate for fewer restrictions on gun ownership, like the NRA, are often politically conservative groups who see government control as threatening their freedoms. They hold considerable political influence. In contrast, those calling for tighter gun regulations are often politically liberal groups and victims of gun violence who see easy access to firearms as a public health crisis (Robertson). Both sides see themselves as fighting for values like safety and liberty. Still, ultimately, conflict is due to diverging group interests: one believes their rights require broad gun ownership, and the other believes public safety requires restrictions. Each competes for political and social dominance on this issue.
Symbolic interactionism theory focuses on the symbolic meanings people assign to guns and how those meanings influence interactions and behaviors. The meaning of guns is influenced by social groups like the NRA that promote owning guns as part of American identity. These opposing symbolic meanings lead to conflicts over gun policy. The meaning of guns in American society depends heavily on an individual’s experiences and social groups. For advocates of more robust gun control, guns may symbolize violence, crime, and unnecessary deaths. The proponents probably associate with others who share their wrong perceptions of weapons, strengthening their beliefs (Robertson). In contrast, firearms may represent independence, bravery, and patriotism in the National Rifle Association. Guns are associated with good significance in their social circles as recreational and self-defense tools. Different groups’ interpretations of symbols result in disparate attitudes and actions about gun laws. While opponents of gun control see limitations on gun availability in stopping violence, proponents of gun rights see laws as a limitation on their freedoms. Understanding these relationships and symbols is crucial to understanding the gun problem. The perspective of gun ownership and restriction depends on how this politically and emotionally contentious issue is perceived.
The U.S. has the highest rate of private gun ownership in the world. This is enabled by the constitution, which many see as protecting the right to bear arms. Sociological theories outline frameworks of comprehension of complicated and controversial issues associated with gun ownership and control in America. From a structural-functionalist standing, gun ownership acts as a double-edged sword with beneficial and adverse functions for society; its validity for this perspective is aimed at sustaining stability. According to conflict theory, the problem of gun ownership is a fight between interest groups vying for power and control. Different groups believe in different views about firearms as potential threats to public safety and protecting civil liberties. According to symbolic interactionism, gun ownership has various symbolic meanings for other social groups, ranging from a threat of violence and danger to freedom and self-reliance. Thus, such symbols are mainly opinion and policy-oriented. Achieving consensus is impossible because of the diverse views regarding different sectors of society.
Robertson, Susan. “Module 2: Introducing the Sociological Perspective.” Foundations in Sociology I (2020). https://openpress.usask.ca/soc112/chapter/philosophical-foundations-and-historical-origins/