Gun control can be applied to the sociological theory of structural functionalism. This theory is based on interactions and how individuals assign meaning to things. In relation to gun control, the perspectives of each side of the debate are a result of individual’s interpreations and assigned meanings toward gun ownership, gun violence and gun regulation. For example, gun control advocates associate guns with killing inncoent children while gun rights advocates associate guns with self-protection. In relation to deviance, deviant behavior affirms cultural values, clarifies moral boundaries, promotes social unity and encourages social change. When applied to gun control, either side of the debate may be labaled as deviant due to the inability
