Implicit Racial and Gender Bias About Handguns: A New Implicit Association Test

Area of Science:

• Social Psychology
• Criminology
• Public Health

Background:

• Racial and gender stereotypes influence perceptions of gun ownership and violence.
• Understanding implicit bias is crucial for addressing systemic inequalities in firearm access and safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure implicit and explicit racial bias concerning women and handguns.
• To examine stereotypes about gun competence and victimization based on race and gender.

Main Methods:

• A national survey of 1,000 US adults was conducted.
• A novel Race-Women-Handguns Implicit Association Test (IAT) was administered.
• Survey weighting ensured nationally representative estimates of implicit racial bias.

Main Results:

• A majority (62.5%) associated Black women with handguns and White women with smartphones, indicating anti-Black bias.
• Low proportions perceived Black and White women as competent with handguns (21.6% and 22.4%).
• Perceptions of Black women experiencing intimate partner violence or sexual assault were low, despite higher prevalence.

Conclusions:

• Findings reveal an anti-Black implicit bias linking Black women with handguns.
• The study underscores the need to investigate how racism affects gun possession decisions.
• Further research is needed on systemic racism intersecting with firearm ownership.