Switzerland is often highlighted in debates about gun violence in the United States.
Proponents of gun rights frequently cite Switzerland’s high gun ownership rates and low gun violence as evidence that widespread access to firearms doesn’t necessarily result in increased violence.
However, new research led by Wolfgang Stroebe suggests that Switzerland is a unique case due to its strict gun laws, cultural attitudes, and stable social conditions.
Stroebe and his colleagues’ recent analysis, published in Aggression and Violent Behavior, seeks to understand why Switzerland’s high rates of gun ownership do not translate into the rampant gun violence seen in the U.S.
Despite both countries having ample firearms in civilian hands, the differences in outcomes are stark and revealing.
Stroebe, a professor emeritus at the University of Utrecht and a visiting professor at the University of Groningen, argues that Switzerland’s regulatory framework underpins its lower levels of gun violence.
For example, while many Swiss men keep their service rifles at home post-military service, these firearms are required to be unloaded, and ammunition is stored separately under strict conditions.
Civilians wishing to buy firearms in Switzerland must undergo rigorous background checks, obtain permits, and demonstrate a lack of criminal history or violence risk factors.
Public carriage of firearms requires even more stringent permits, and carrying loaded guns in public without a legitimate reason is prohibited.
This starkly contrasts with U.S. laws, which are far more permissive and allow individuals to carry loaded weapons with little to no regulation in many states.
According to Stroebe, one primary factor distinguishing the two countries is their gun culture.
In Switzerland, guns are seen as tools primarily for national defense and sport shooting.
The Swiss generally do not view firearms as necessary for personal protection, and their gun culture emphasizes responsibility, safety training, and secure storage.
Conversely, the U.S. has developed a gun culture centered around self-defense.
Many Americans believe that owning a gun is essential for personal safety, a belief deeply rooted in the country’s individualistic values.
This belief persists despite research showing that gun ownership can increase the risk of gun-related deaths, including suicides and accidents.
Moreover, societal conditions play a crucial role. Switzerland’s high standard of living, low levels of poverty, and minimal income inequality contribute to its low rates of violence.
The country’s social cohesion and overall stability help maintain a safe environment. In contrast, the U.S. experiences higher levels of social and economic inequality, which correlate with higher crime rates.
Stroebe notes that racial and ethnic diversity in the U.S., along with economic disparities, can exacerbate social tensions and contribute to higher violence levels.
In environments marked by poverty and instability, guns often become tools for asserting power and control.
The psychological mindset also differs. Many Americans have what researchers call the “dangerous world belief,” the idea that the world is inherently dangerous and must be constantly prepared to defend oneself.
This belief fosters a readiness to use guns in perceived threats, driving up gun ownership, particularly handguns for personal defense. By contrast, the Swiss generally feel secure in their communities and trust law enforcement to protect them, reducing the perceived need for firearms for personal safety.
Stroebe and his colleagues conclude that Switzerland’s experience shows that widespread gun ownership in itself does not lead to more gun violence.
Instead, the context in which guns are owned and used is critical. In countries with lax gun laws, significant social inequalities, and a self-defense-centered culture, like the U.S., high gun availability contributes directly to higher rates of homicides and mass shootings.
To reduce gun violence in the U.S., the researchers suggest stricter gun control measures, such as mandatory background checks for all gun sales and limits on magazine capacity.
However, they emphasize that addressing the underlying social issues driving gun violence, such as poverty and social disorganization, is equally important.
Stroebe hopes this analysis will shed light on the risks of gun ownership, particularly in nations with conditions similar to the U.S.
The article “Gun ownership and gun violence: A comparison of the United States and Switzerland” authored by Stroebe, N. Pontus Leander, and Arie W. Kruglanski can be found in Aggression and Violent Behavior.