Three months ago, I packed up my life with my partner and our two little ones, trading the warm skies of North Carolina for the charming streets of Gothenburg, Sweden. We were eager to dive into our new adventure. However, what I didn’t expect to feel so acutely—especially after the tragic Las Vegas shooting—was the sense of freedom that comes from living in a country that takes gun control seriously.
Now, don’t get me wrong—Sweden isn’t a country that hates guns. In fact, it boasts one of the highest rates of gun ownership globally (though it still trails behind the U.S.). Hunting is a cherished pastime here, woven into the cultural fabric. Yet, Sweden has only one-seventh the gun fatalities per capita compared to the U.S. Between 1983 and 2013, there were merely two mass shootings in Sweden versus a staggering 78 in the States. So, what gives?
The Answer Lies in Sweden’s Stringent Gun Regulations
The answer lies in Sweden’s stringent gun regulations. To own a firearm, Swedes must apply for an individual license for each gun, submitted directly to the authorities. Applicants must demonstrate a compelling reason for ownership—be it hunting, target shooting, or collecting—and licenses for self-defense are rarely granted. Additionally, prospective gun owners must pass an exam or be active members of a shooting club for at least six months. Firearms and ammunition must be securely stored in approved safes, and violations come with hefty penalties.
In the U.S., we often hear that such regulations infringe upon our freedoms. Bill O’Reilly might call that the “price of freedom.” Yet, discussions overlook how neglecting gun regulation infringes on our freedoms as well. The victims of gun violence and their families pay the highest price, but even those of us fortunate enough to avoid such tragedies feel the weight of daily anxiety.
Experiencing Freedom from Fear
I didn’t realize how much this anxiety affected me until I arrived in Sweden. It was like a persistent buzzing I’d gotten used to, until it suddenly stopped. When my 6-year-old got invited over to a friend’s house, I felt a wave of relief knowing I didn’t have to ask if there were guns lying around. During a minor scuffle between soccer fans outside a café, we didn’t immediately panic about potential gun violence. Even when neo-Nazis marched through Gothenburg, the concern was about violence, not whether they’d be armed with high-powered weapons.
In contrast, in the U.S., our freedom is often shackled by fear. We say we’re free to enjoy concerts, join Bible studies, or send our kids to school. But what does that “freedom” mean if we constantly worry for our safety? How many adjustments do we make to our lives—avoiding public gatherings, choosing seats near exits, or scanning crowds for suspicious individuals—before we acknowledge that the right to bear arms can hinder our right to live freely?
The Impact on Daily Life
Every day in Sweden, I witness 7- and 8-year-olds walking to school solo, kids arranging spontaneous playdates, running in and out of homes without parental anxiety. Most strikingly, Swedes don’t seem to dread mass shootings. They don’t wake up to news of another tragedy and think, “Ugh, not again.”
When my family returns to the States next year, leaving behind this sense of safety will be tough. It’s liberating for both my children and me as a parent. We often reminisce about the “good old days” when kids could roam freely, yet we do little to safeguard their right to do so. Yes, it may mean curbing the freedom for anyone to carry a weapon wherever they please, but in return, we could reclaim our freedom from the looming dread that our lives could be irrevocably altered at any moment.
Further Reading
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Summary
In this piece, the author reflects on the liberating experience of living in Sweden, particularly in contrast to the anxiety surrounding gun violence in the U.S. Sweden’s strict gun control measures highlight a different approach to safety and freedom, prompting a discussion about the true costs of gun ownership and the implications for everyday life.