Podcast Summary
Limited funding for mass shooting research: Despite mass shootings receiving media attention, only less than 1% of gun-related deaths occur during these events, leaving a significant gap in our understanding due to underfunding of research.
While mass shootings receive significant media attention, they are not a primary focus for scientific research due to limited funding. This is largely due to political reasons, as government agencies have shied away from funding gun violence research since the 1990s. As a result, the majority of gun violence research and prevention efforts are underfunded, with less than 1% of the approximately 40,000 annual gun-related deaths in the US occurring during mass shooting events. This leaves a significant gap in our understanding of the causes and potential solutions for mass shootings.
Understanding the Complexity of Mass Shootings: Research on mass shootings is limited due to a lack of standard definition and difficulty in conducting experiments, but some studies suggest certain gun laws may be effective in prevention.
Mass shootings, defined as any shooting with four or more victims, are a complex issue with no standard definition and limited research. While gun violence researchers often focus on suicide and other types of gun violence, there have been studies looking at mass shootings and their potential prevention. These studies suggest that certain gun laws may be more effective than others, but these policies are not always the focus of national conversations following mass shooting events. Despite the challenges in studying mass shootings, some scientists remain optimistic about the future of gun violence research and the potential for finding effective prevention strategies. However, the lack of a standard definition and the difficulty of conducting experiments make it a complex issue that requires continued research and dialogue.
Comparing gun laws and gun violence: Two effective gun policies: licensing process and large capacity magazine bans, linked to lower rates of mass shootings and overall gun violence.
Researchers can study the relationship between gun laws and gun violence by comparing areas with varying regulations. For instance, Daniel Webster from the Johns Hopkins Center For Gun Violence Solutions mentioned that they've found two gun policies that significantly lower rates of fatal mass shootings: a gun purchaser licensing process and state bans on large capacity magazines. A licensing process, which involves applicants directly engaging with law enforcement and sometimes undergoing safety training, is linked to decreases in all types of gun violence, including homicides, suicides, and mass shootings. On the other hand, banning large capacity magazines reduces the ammo capacity of semiautomatic firearms, making it more likely for shooters to have to stop and reload, potentially giving victims a chance to escape or fight back. However, it's important to acknowledge that this is a complex and inexact science, as researchers don't have complete information about all factors influencing gun violence, such as gang activity and illegal drug markets.
Gun control policies reducing mass shootings: While bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines can reduce mass shootings, comprehensive background checks and civilians carrying guns do not have a significant impact, and the effectiveness of other policies like red flag laws and age restrictions is still unclear.
Certain gun control policies, such as bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, have been shown to reduce the number of mass shootings and the number of people killed in these incidents. However, these policies are often overshadowed by public calls for action following mass shootings, with comprehensive background checks and allowing civilians to carry guns being more commonly discussed. Research shows that these policies, particularly the latter, do not have a significant impact on reducing mass shooting deaths. Other policies, like red flag laws and age restrictions, are still being researched and their effectiveness in preventing mass shootings is not yet clear. Overall, the evidence suggests that a comprehensive approach to gun control, including both restrictions on certain types of weapons and interventions to address the root causes of violence, may be the most effective way to reduce mass shootings.
Gun violence research underfunded compared to other health threats: Despite its significant impact, gun violence research receives less than 1% of funding compared to other causes of death, but recent interest and government changes have led to increased funding.
There is a significant lack of funding for gun violence research compared to other public health threats, making it difficult to find evidence-based answers to gun-related policies and questions. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that gun violence research funding was less than 1% of the funding given to sepsis research, making it the least researched cause of death. However, there has been a recent increase in interest and funding for gun violence research, driven by mass shootings and changes in government restrictions. The CDC, despite its limited resources, still issues reports on gun violence. The total amount of funding for gun violence research is still small compared to the impact of gun violence.
Gun violence goes beyond mass shootings: More than 100 people are shot and killed daily in the US, making it the leading cause of death for children over 1, surpassing car crashes. The CDC acknowledges gun violence as a public health threat.
Gun violence in America is a serious public health issue that goes beyond mass shootings. According to the CDC, more than 100 people are shot and killed in the United States every day, making it the leading cause of death for children over the age of 1. Guns kill more kids and adolescents than car crashes do. While mass shootings like the one in Uvalde are horrific and necessary to discuss, they represent only a fraction of the gun violence that occurs daily. The CDC's current head acknowledged that gun violence is a public health threat that needs addressing. It's essential to understand the scope and nature of gun violence to demand effective solutions. Over Memorial Day weekend alone, there were over a dozen mass shootings. This conversation about gun violence research is necessary, but it's crucial to remember the daily toll of gun violence on American lives. The episode was produced by Margaret Cirino, fact-checked, edited by Will Stone, Rebecca Ramirez, and Giselle Grayson, and audio engineered by Trey Watson. I'm Erin Scott, and thank you for listening to Shortwave, The Daily Science Podcast from NPR.
