Book & podcast collection

Unforgiving Places: The Unexpected Origins of American Gun Violence

byJens Ludwig

Economist Jens Ludwig challenges familiar explanations for American gun violence by examining why shootings cluster so intensely in particular neighborhoods, blocks, and moments. Using evidence from cities and behavioral science, he argues that violence is shaped not only by guns, poverty, or criminal intent but also by environments that make split-second misunderstandings more dangerous. The book follows researchers, community organizations, and residents testing interventions that help people pause, interpret situations differently, and avoid escalation. Its central message is cautiously hopeful: targeted changes in high-risk places can prevent violence without waiting to solve every underlying social problem.

Publisher

University of Chicago Press

Publication date

2025

Format

Print edition

Pages

352

ISBN

9780226828138