Attitudes of Slovenian Residents toward Firearm Possesion and Carrying: An Empirical Analysis in the Context of European and American Approaches
Purpose:
The purpose of this article is to analyse the attitudes of the residents of Slovenia towards the possesion and carrying of firearms and to examine the extent to which these attitudes reflect the European or the American approach to firearms governance.
Design/Methods/Approach:
The study used a quantitative, non-experimental design and was conducted using an online survey of 3,690 respondents. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, mean comparisons, t-tests, analysis of variance, and factor analysis.
Findings:
The findings indicate that the population of Slovenia generally holds a restrictive attitude towards firearm possesion and carrying and does not perceive firearm possesion as an individual right. Respondents clearly differentiate between types of firearms, with hunting and sporting firearms perceived as more acceptable than security firearms. Experience with firearm possesionsignificantly influences attitudes, as firearm owners tend to express more liberal views. Differences related to gender and age were also identified, reflecting a predominantly European regulatory culture rather than a rights-based model.
Research Limitations / Implications:
The study relies on a non-probability sample and an online survey, which limits the generalisability of the findings. Nevertheless, the large sample size enables a reliable analysis of prevailing attitudes towards firearms in Slovenia.
Practical Implications:
The findings contribute to understanding the social legitimacy of firearm regulation in Slovenia and may inform policymakers and practitioners involved in developing and evaluating security policies.
Originality/Value:
The article presents one of the few large-scale empirical analyses of public attitudes towards firearm possesion and carrying in Slovenia, situating the findings within a comparative European–American framework.
UDC: 351.753
Keywords: firearm possesion, carrying firearms, public opinion, security policy, firearms regulation