Introduction: Global Impact
Gun violence is a critical social issue in the United States due to the high prevalence of firearms in the country and its unique historical context. This topic is particularly acute because uncontrollable gun violence usually occurs in low-income countries. For instance, nations with weak economies in South America, such as Venezuela and El Salvador, have some of the highest rates of firearm crime globally (Werbick et al., 2021).
While the USA has alarmingly prevalent gun violence compared to developed countries, America is safer than many low-income nations worldwide (Werbick et al., 2021). Moreover, since America displays worse safety results compared to other G7 countries, it is safe to assume that globalization does not play a critical role in this issue.
Discussion: Explanation of Gun Violence
One of the most relevant sociological theories that can explain gun violence in the United States is conflict theory. It implies that people from varying social classes struggle for resources, and gun violence is a direct consequence of social inequality (Oberwittler, 2019). Namely, the wealth distribution in the USA is significantly more uneven than in other G7 countries, resulting in more intense confrontations (Werbick et al., 2021). In addition, there are unique cultural differences, such as the high rate of firearm possession among the public, that contribute to the issue. Ultimately, conflict theory thoroughly explains the difference in gun violence between the United States and the rest of the world.
Conclusion: Potential Solution
Lastly, continuous research on the topic is necessary to find an appropriate solution to the problem. One unsuccessful solution is to ban guns in America simply – it will not resolve social inequality, and people will protest since having firearms is a Constitutional right in the United States (Werbick et al., 2021). Therefore, a successful solution should aim at resolving wealth disparities and regulating gun violence step-by-step. I believe that this approach is practical because it promotes gradual improvement and focuses on the root of the problem, which is social inequality. Ultimately, gun violence is an acute social issue in the United States. Still, it is possible to resolve it through intelligent legislation and improving the quality of life of vulnerable populations.
References
Oberwittler, D. (2019). Lethal violence: A global view on homicide. In Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Oxford University Press. Web.
Werbick, M., Bari, I., Paichadze, N., & Hyder, A. A. (2021). Firearm violence: A neglected “global health” issue. Globalization and Health, 17, 1-5. Web.