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Association Between Markers of Structural Racism and Mass Shooting Events in Major US Cities
Michael Ghio1, John Tyler Simpson1, Ayman Ali1
1Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana.
JAMA Surgery
|July 19, 2023
Summary
Mass shooting events (MSEs) are more common in US cities with larger Black populations, indicating a link to structural racism. Public health efforts should address these racial inequities to reduce gun violence.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Criminology
Background:
- Mass shooting events (MSEs) and their root causes remain poorly understood.
- Identifying populations disproportionately affected by MSEs is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between structural racism and the incidence of mass shootings in major US metropolitan areas.
- To explore how racial segregation and demographic factors correlate with mass shooting occurrences.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study analyzed data from the 51 largest US metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) between 2015 and 2019.
- Data sources included the Gun Violence Archive and demographic information, focusing on MSE incidence and markers of structural racism.
- Statistical analyses, including Spearman and linear regression, were employed to examine associations.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between higher percentages of Black individuals in an MSA and increased MSE incidence.
- Higher Black-White segregation index and a greater proportion of children in single-parent households were also correlated with MSE incidence.
- Linear regression confirmed that the percentage of Black individuals in an MSA was a significant predictor of MSEs, suggesting structural racism's role.
Conclusions:
- The study indicates that structural racism, particularly racial demographics and segregation, is associated with a higher incidence of mass shootings in US cities.
- Public health interventions aimed at preventing MSEs should consider and address the underlying factors related to structural racism and racial inequity.
- These findings underscore the need for policies that mitigate racial disparities to effectively combat gun violence.
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