Is China "Keeping its Powder Dry"? Developing a Cultural Transmission Model of Gun Behaviors and Attitudes

Michael A. Cretacci

SUNY-Buffalo State, United States of America / Jianghan University Law School, China

Nicole Hendrix

Radford University, United States of America

Liu Zheng

Hainan University Law School, China

Yandong Gao

Zhejiang University, Guanghua Law School, China

Abstract:

The objective of this study was to provide a cultural transmission model that partially explains attitudes towards gun ownership and related behaviors. We utilized cross-sectional data collected from Chinese university students in two separate provinces. This paper specifically examines a cultural transmission model of Chinese attitudes towards gun ownership, carrying, purchasing guns for selfdefense, and beliefs regarding whether family and friends would own guns. Our model includes measures of attachment, commitment, belief, prior military service, feelings concerning safety in the presence of firearms, beliefs of the respondent regarding whether or not their close associates would own guns, age, gender, and residential location. Findings suggest that the cultural transmission model partially explains Chinese attitudes regarding gun ownership and related activities.

Keyword:

Firearms, Gun Ownership, Guns, China, Culture.