Evaluation of the association between the flow of firearms and mass shooting deaths

• Published date: 01 June 2022
• Author: Chip E. Miller,Andrew Bryant
• Date: 01 June 2022
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1111/joca.12409

TRENDS AND APPLICATION

Evaluation of the association between the flow

of firearms and mass shooting deaths

Chip E. Miller | Andrew Bryant

College of Business and Public

Administration, Drake University,

Iowa, USA

Correspondence

Chip E. Miller, Drake University College

of Business and Public Administration,

2507 University Avenue, Des Moines,

IA 50311, USA.

Email: chip.miller@drake.edu

Abstract

Mass shootings are a human-made disaster that

plagues the United States. However, data on mass

shootings and firearm sales are not readily available in

the United States. We compile a novel dataset to

explore this issue by blending annual nationwide data

from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms'

records with mass shooting statistics over 33 years. This

dataset overcomes limitations present in previous

research on the topic of firearms and mass shootings.

Our findings indicate a relationship between more

deaths from mass shootings and the production of fire-

arms (flow of firearms). We argue that this is due to an

increase in demand derived from the salience of per-

ceived mortality and consumer reactance. Implications

on the gun control debate are discussed.

KEYWORDS

firearms, gun control, mass shooting

1|INTRODUCTION

Mass shootings are a problem in the United States. One single weekend in May 2021 had

11 mass shootings (Silverman, 2021). These deaths and injuries are tragic. Yet the data around

firearms and mass shootings is scant, making it difficult for policymakers to enact meaningful

solutions.

In an effort to curb mass shootings, policymakers enact laws and regulations affecting con-

sumers' interest in acquiring firearms. However, consumers are affected in other ways, too. The

American Psychological Association found 33% of adults report the fear of mass shooting

Received: 11 January 2021 Revised: 23 August 2021 Accepted: 27 August 2021

DOI: 10.1111/joca.12409

© 2021 American Council on Consumer Interests.

J Consum Aff. 2022;56:925–937. wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/joca 925