NCJ Number
126356
Journal
Canadian Journal of Criminology Volume: 32 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1990) Pages: 573-589
Date Published
1990
Length
17 pages
Annotation
As neighbors, Canada and the United States share a great deal in common. Nevertheless, Canada has long had much stricter firearms legislation than the United States.
Abstract
Some observers (e.g., Friedland, Lipset) have argued that this can best be explained by cultural differences engendered by the peculiarities in their respective historical development. The question posed here is to what extent are these cultural differences reflected in the general public's attitudes towards firearms and gun control? This paper compares representative surveys in both countries and concludes that the general publics in the two countries are much more similar than implied by the "cultural differences" argument. Large majorities of the general public in both countries support gun control legislation while simultaneously believing that they have the "right to own firearms." The primary reason for owning firearms in both countries are very similar, hunting. Almost as many households in Canada own one or more rifles as do in the United States. Even with respect to the use of firearms in self-defense, large majorities in both countries feel that store owners are justified in using firearms under some circumstance. Despite their similarities, there are systematic differences between the general publics in the two countries. Canadians are more deferent to authority and do not support the use of handguns in self-defense to the same extent as Americans. Both Canadian and American policymakers would be well advised to note the mixed feelings of the public in both countries towards firearms and gun control. While the public is frightened by gun misuse, there would seem to be widespread support for the legitimate use of firearms in both countries. 17 tables, 3 notes, and 17 references. (Author abstract)