MTV vs. Pew Research Center Surveys: Which One is Correct on Gun Control?
Daniel Xu 06.17.16
Recent research by MTV Insights has apparently found that millennial supporters of both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump also share the same views on gun control. Specifically, they seem all for it. According to a national survey of 500 millennials aged 18 to 34, an eye-opening 95 percent of Clinton supporters also responded that they wanted additional gun control measures. Surprisingly, the call for gun control was even stronger among Trump’s camp, with 97 percent approving gun control. Some have already called into question the accuracy of the MTV survey, while others pointed out that 500 respondents may be too small of a group for any comprehensive insights. Additionally, Mic reported that Mariana Agathoklis, vice president of MTV Communications, declined to release the full research data for proprietary reasons.
According to MTV’s study:
However, this flies in the face of some previous surveys, which found that the majority of millennials actually supported gun rights. According to a 2015 survey by the Pew Research Center, millennials opposed the ban on so-called “assault weapons” more than any other generation. Additionally, the 18 to 34 demographic also opposed restricting certain types of ammunition, and are less likely than older generations to support further restrictions on firearm sales. At the same time, young gun owners are one of the fastest rising demographics for firearm retailers, along with women. Experts attribute this to not just traditional draws like hunting or sport shooting, but also the increased attention on self-defense.
The two surveys do agree on a few areas though. Millennials overwhelmingly support background checks and, in some cases, increasing them. Respondents also placed a high priority on keeping firearms from criminals and the mentally ill. While the majority of those surveyed in the MTV study may support gun control, it should be noted that 81 percent said that gun access is necessary for those that wish to protect themselves. Some commentators have pointed to this fact as proof that despite calls for further restrictions, the right to bear arms is still firmly entrenched in the American psyche.
