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Gun Talk Online: Canadian Tools, American Values

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  • Dylan S. McLean

Abstract

Objective The objective of this study is to address the following question: Why has the United States been so reluctant to embrace the type of comprehensive gun control that is in place in every other developed democracy? Method The method used to address this question is a computerized content analysis on nearly 18 million words that were extracted from online political discussions of Canadian and American gun enthusiasts. A comparison of these discussions was guided by three theories on the character and origins of Canadian–American political difference. Results The results demonstrate that the instrumental components of gun ownership are more relevant for Canadian gun enthusiasts, while American gun enthusiasts view their arms as physical manifestations of political values. These values are consistent with a widely perceived American ideology that centers on individual freedom and antipathy toward government. Conclusion This leads to the conclusion that U.S. gun rights groups are naturally advantaged in the gun control debate because their rhetoric finds fertile soil beyond the gun enthusiast segment, and helps explain the intensity of their opposition to gun control.

Suggested Citation

  • Dylan S. McLean, 2018. "Gun Talk Online: Canadian Tools, American Values," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 99(3), pages 977-992, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:socsci:v:99:y:2018:i:3:p:977-992
    DOI: 10.1111/ssqu.12476
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    Cited by:

    1. Raymond Tatalovich & Dane G. Wendell, 2018. "Expanding the scope and content of morality policy research: lessons from Moral Foundations Theory," Policy Sciences, Springer;Society of Policy Sciences, vol. 51(4), pages 565-579, December.
    2. Raymond Tatalovich & Donald P. Haider‐Markel, 2022. "Voting on gun rights: Mapping the electoral scope of the pro‐gun constituency in America," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 103(6), pages 1359-1370, November.

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