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Deadly Mix? An International Investigation of Handgun Availability, Drinking Culture, and Homicide

NCJ Number
235583
Journal
International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice Volume: 35 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2011 Pages: 39-51
Author(s)
Bradley R. Stevens; Tony R. Smith; Karen R. Fein; Martin Gottschalk; Gregory J. Howard
Date Published
February 2011
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study investigated the relationship between firearm countries considered "wet" or "dry" with respect to drinking culture.
Abstract
The current research investigates the relationship between firearm availability and homicide rates in a nonrandom sample of countries considered "wet" or "dry" with respect to drinking culture. The authors contend that the relationship between firearm availability and homicide varies by culturally approved norms associated with alcohol consumption. The analysis indicates that firearm availability is a significantly better predictor of homicide in "dry" drinking cultures, characterized by episodic but heavy consumption of alcohol per occasion, and a poor predictor of homicide in "wet" drinking cultures, where alcohol is frequently but moderately consumed. Implications of the study are discussed. (Published Abstract)