recent incident, current media headline, government policy, a particular law, a movie, a book, or even music lyrics, etc.

Student’s Name
Professor’s Name
Course Title
Date
Sociological Perspectives on the Gun Debate
Introduction
After the recent mass shooting last month at Umpqua Community College, the gun debate has resurfaced to top public discourses on this divisive societal issue. The debate on guns pits two opposing sides: those who want a ban on civilian gun ownership and those who are pro-ownership of guns by civilians. Pro-ownership of guns faction argues that guns are effective defensive weapons against their lives and properties. On the other hand, the anti-gun group insists that civilian ownership of guns is a threat to their lives, and those of others, as evidenced by the wanton shooting in the past month. This paper provides a sociological analysis of the gun problems in America.
The Root of the Problem
Maslow hierarchy of needs theory seems relevant when discussing this deep divisive sociological problem in America. According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory, human needs can be ranked and presented in a pyramid shape in a descending order from need for self-actualization, need for esteem, need to belong, need for safety, and physiological needs. The need for safety becomes relevant in this discussion, given the two-faction debate on the importance of guns to American civilians. However, such a discussion can be futile if the roots of the problem are not explored properly. Civilian ownership of a gun is supported by the second amendment of the American cons…