In the news: Sociology professor explores ‘gun culture 3.0’ in Los Angeles Times op-ed
Jennifer Carlson, professor of sociology, 2022 MacArthur Fellow and director of the Center for the Study of Guns in Society at Arizona State University, recently contributed an op-ed to the Los Angeles Times examining the rise of “gun culture 3.0.” In her piece, Carlson explains that today’s gun owners increasingly seek protection not just from crime, but from perceived political threats.
“Gun culture 3.0 is all about perceived political threats unleashed by those no longer invested in normal guardrails,” Carlson writes, adding that polarization and distrust fuel a growing sense of insecurity among gun owners across the political spectrum. Carlson explores how today’s climate has led Americans to turn to firearms as a “last resort” for maintaining control in uncertain times.