The Big Picture

Gun violence in the United States is a complex issue, particularly in urban areas where young African American men are disproportionately affected. This study aims to understand gun possession among these young men by considering the environments they live in and how these settings influence their decisions to carry firearms.
What We Did

Researchers conducted a phenomenological study, employing a grounded-theory approach, to understand why young African American men, aged 15-24, living in high-crime urban areas possess firearms. The study involved 374 respondents from four cities: Baltimore, Maryland; Jackson, Mississippi; Houston, Texas; and Wilmington, Delaware. The research team, comprising members from various Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), collaborated with local community partners to gather data through interviews.

1

Harsh Environments:

Respondents described their cities as violent, dangerous, and lacking opportunities. A majority reported exposure to gun violence at an early age, which normalized the presence of guns in their communities.

2

Perceived Need for Protection:

Many young men felt that possessing a gun was necessary for their protection and survival in their neighborhoods. The decision to carry a gun was largely influenced by fear and the need for self-defense.

3

Negative Influences and Limited Opportunities:

Factors contributing to gun possession included negative peer influences, social media, and rap music. Respondents highlighted a lack of positive role models and opportunities, which led some to affiliate with gangs or engage in criminal activities.

4

Disconnection from Policy Solutions:

While respondents recognized the contribution of guns to urban violence, many felt that current policies and community efforts were disconnected from the realities of their lived experiences. They advocated for stricter gun laws and more community programs to provide pathways out of violence.

This study underscores the importance of understanding the lived experiences of those most affected by gun violence to develop effective policies. By involving young people in the conversation and focusing on improving the environments where they live, policymakers can create more meaningful and impactful solutions to reduce gun violence in urban areas.

To address the root causes of urban gun violence, the study suggests:

1

Enhancing Community Programs: Increase access to education, employment, and recreational activities for youth.

2

Implementing Stricter Gun Laws: Enforce policies that limit access to guns and impose stronger penalties for illegal gun possession.

3

Community Involvement:Include residents, especially youth, in planning and decision-making processes to create safer communities.

4

Trauma-Informed Approaches: Recognize and address the trauma experienced by young people in violent environments.

The big takeaway?

To effectively reduce gun violence, efforts must go beyond policing and address the underlying environmental factors that drive young men to carry guns. Involving the community in crafting solutions and providing off-ramps from violent settings are crucial steps towards creating safer urban neighborhoods.

About the Study

This research was published in the American Journal of Qualitative Research in 2023. The full APA citation is: Dillard, D., Henderson, H., Mangum, M., Rice, J., II, & Goldstein, A. D. (2023). Unlocking Gun-Violence Solutions: The Necessity and Power of Lived Experience. American Journal of Qualitative Research, 7(4), 182-202. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/13729