NCJ Number
165888
Journal
Gazette Volume: 59 Issue: 1 Dated: (February 1997) Pages: 2-21
Date Published
1997
Length
20 pages
Annotation
In analyzing the social construction of the serial murderer, this study developed the theory that the serial murderer learns violent behavior and is therefore a product of society.
Abstract
The author developed sociological profiles of different types of serial murderers. The typologies used in the research are those offered by Holmes and DeBurger (1988). The primary source of data for the research was all available secondary information on the convicted serial killers Clifford Olson, Arthur Shawcross, and Jeffrey Dahmer. The research followed a case study methodology and format. The research determined that the hedonistic, power/control and mission-oriented typologies considered in the study were too general to be mutually exclusive and definitive. The typologies could become more valuable in terms of explanation through the continuing study of the social construction of the serial killer and the creation of more social profiles. The research concluded that the study of the social construction of the serial killer through social profiling has much practical and theoretical usefulness. A recommendation for future research is to undertake the functional analyses of the social profiles of a larger number of serial murderers to increase the validity of social profiling criteria and ultimately provide the best explanation of how society contributes to the characteristic profile of the serial murderer.