Access to Weapons: A Comparative Analysis Between Poland and the United States
Access to Weapons: A Comparative Analysis Between Poland and the United States

Summary/Abstract: Objectives: In this article, we attempt to answer the following question: is there a need to liberalise policies and lawsto allow the Polish citizens to have a greater access to weapons? We compare the Polish and the American regulationsin this area. In our attempts to understand possible ramifications for Poland’s greater access to weapons, we reviewthe American experience with firearms with emphasis on ownership history, the current debates, a comparativeanalysis of other dangers, and policy implications. In the conclusion, we employ the culture theory of risk to highlightthe debates. The article draws attention to aspects meaningful in the context of shaping the policy of access to weaponsand the direction of possible changes in legal regulations in this area.Research Design & Methods: The methods used in this article revolve round literature reviews of the debates, statisticaldata, a survey analysis, and an analysis of legal regulations.Findings: Restrictions on the access to weapons in Poland may not be desirable. They can limit civic rights and preventa potential net gain of financial revenue. On the other hand, too liberal access to weapons can be potentially dangerousfor the safety and well-being of the citizens.Implications / Recommendations: We believe that more research in this area needs to be conducted with a greater focuson the culture theory of risk as well as other paradigms which employ the latest statistics for a broader social-researchagenda. We observe a lack of research and literature in this area.Contribution / Value Added: Given the current social and economic climate in Poland and in the United States, wefind this research study to be both timely and important. Specifically, on December 14, 2019, new arms regulationsentered into force in Poland. On the other hand, President Joe Biden has recently positioned himself on taking a morerigorous approach to firearm violence.

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