Understanding Why Young Men Possess Guns

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The Problem

Despite increasing attention to gun violence, the perspectives of young Black men most impacted by urban gun violence remain understudied. This research helps fill that gap by capturing lived experiences in participants’ own words. Understanding their realities can inform policies and interventions to curb violence.
Hand holding a gun

What We Found

With the help of vital community partners, we conducted 357 in-depth interviews with young Black men aged 15–24 in Baltimore, MD, Jackson, MS, Houston, TX, and Wilmington, DE. Participants faced significant gun violence from a young age, and most knew multiple people who had been shot or killed. We found early and extensive exposure to gun violence led many participants to carry guns for protection and safety. Poverty, lack of resources, and high crime rates were seen as key factors fueling violence. Participants felt current laws would not reduce urban gun violence and suggested a combination of stronger gun laws and more community programs to address root causes.
While some viewed gun possession as a means of gaining respect or status within their peer groups, others described it as a reluctant necessity in an environment where being unarmed could be perceived as unsafe. Importantly, a significant number of interviewees expressed a desire for alternative paths to safety and success, highlighting the need for increased educational and economic opportunities.
The study also illuminated the role of intergenerational trauma and the normalization of violence in shaping attitudes towards guns, suggesting that effective solutions must address not only immediate safety concerns but also the long-term psychological impacts of living in high-crime environments.
“We must address poverty, lack of opportunities, and trauma. Without that, violence will persist regardless of stricter gun laws.”
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SUMMARY

This project provides insights into gun possession among young Black men in high-crime urban areas. The researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 357 young Black men aged 15-24 in Baltimore, Jackson, Houston, and Wilmington using a grounded theory approach with open-ended questions. Community partners were engaged to build trust and rapport with participants. The analysis found early and extensive exposure to gun violence led many participants to carry guns for protection and safety. Poverty, lack of resources, and high crime rates were seen as key factors fueling violence. Participants felt current laws would not reduce urban gun violence and suggested a combination of stronger gun laws and more community programs to address root causes.

The research also revealed nuanced perspectives on the relationship between gun possession and community dynamics. Many participants expressed a complex interplay between individual choices, peer influence, and systemic factors. While some viewed gun possession as a means of gaining respect or status within their peer groups, others described it as a reluctant necessity in an environment where being unarmed could be perceived as vulnerable. Importantly, a significant number of interviewees expressed a desire for alternative paths to safety and success, highlighting the need for increased educational and economic opportunities. This finding underscores the potential for positive interventions that provide young men with viable alternatives to gun possession and involvement in violent activities. Furthermore, the study illuminated the role of intergenerational trauma and the normalization of violence in shaping attitudes towards guns, suggesting that effective solutions must address not only immediate safety concerns but also the long-term psychological impacts of living in high-crime environments.

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Two men standing next to each other

Now Recruiting: Help Us Understand Gun Possession In Houston, TX

The Center for Justice Research at Texas Southern University is conducting a new research study to better understand the experiences and motivations behind gun possession among young people in Houston.We are currently seeking Black males and females between the ages of 15–24 who:

  • Have experience with guns OR
  • Were recently released (within the last 30 days) for a weapons-related charge

Your story matters. By sharing your experiences, you can help inform real solutions to reduce gun violence in our communities.What to Expect:

  • A confidential, one-on-one interview (either online or in-person)
  • Takes about 1 hour of your time
  • Receive a $50 gift card for participating

How To Participate

Send An Email

All information is kept strictly confidential. This research has been reviewed and approved by Texas Southern University’s Institutional Review Board (IRB).

WHY IT MATTERS?

Despite increasing attention to gun violence, the perspectives of young Black men most impacted by urban gun violence remain understudied. This research helps fill that gap by capturing lived experiences in participants’ own words. Understanding their realities can inform policies and interventions to curb violence.

A man with his hands together in prayer

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Participants faced significant gun violence from a young age.
  • Most knew multiple people who had been shot or killed.
  • Carrying guns provided a sense of protection.
  • Poverty, lack of opportunities, and high crime contributed to the violence.
  • Participants felt current laws wouldn’t reduce urban gun violence.

We must address poverty, lack of opportunities, and trauma.
Without that, violence will persist regardless of stricter gun laws.

Web extra: Young people and gun violence

Partner Spotlight: Dr. Johnny Rice

One of our esteemed collaborators on this project is Dr. Johnny Rice from Coppin State University in Baltimore. Dr. Rice’s work involves interviewing young men about the presence of guns in their communities. His preliminary findings offer valuable insights into:

  • Factors leading to gun possession
  • Causes of gun violence
  • Potential behavior modification strategies

Dr. Rice recently shared some of these initial results in an exclusive interview with Ted Koppel, senior contributor to Sunday Morning.

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RESOURCES

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HBCU COLLABORATORS

Project Manager

Denise Brown

DENISE BROWN

Denise Brown is a Center for Justice Research graduate research fellow. She is a doctoral student in the Administration of Justice Department of the Barbara Jordan -Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University.
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