ABSTRACT
Stigma refers to a negative label or stereotype that is applied to a group in society. In turn, this label comes to reflect how they are understood by society and even how they understand themselves. This chapter examines how gun dealers experience negative reactions to their sport or trade, how they understand those negative reactions and how this stigma influences the way in which gun dealers interact with law enforcement and policymakers. In 1996, the Australian Prime Minister addressed a crowd of angry gun dealers wearing bullet-proof vests, linking concepts of dangerousness and irresponsibility with gun owners across Australia. Gun dealers report that this negative narrative has continued and has had important implications for their business and their social lives. This chapter highlights the importance of understanding how the social cleavages between being viewed as pro or anti-gun control have implications for how gun control laws are enforced.
