NCJ Number
214966
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 34 Issue: 3 Dated: May/June 2006 Pages: 251-259
Date Published
May 2006
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This review of research on female sexual-predator serial killers in the United States includes consideration of theories about such killers and a discussion of the implications of the findings for prevention, treatment, and research.
Abstract
The review of the limited literature found a distinction between women sexual-predator serial killers who acted alone and those who acted in teams. This article focuses on women who did their killings in teams. The review's main conclusion is that gender role socialization is the most inclusive theory for explaining serial killings by female sexual predators who act in teams. Gender role socialization is the process by which women and men are conditioned to think, feel, and behave in ways consistent with the masculine and feminine norms of their culture. For women, gender role socialization encourages them to derive meaning in their lives through relationships, particularly romantic attachments, which may result in a tendency for women to define themselves through an intimate partner rather than from personal successes. A major tenet of feminine social identity is that women must maintain these relationships and place the needs of others before their own. Gender role socialization may thus lead to dominance of women by men as a result of the power differential between partners in a relationship. These dynamics can exist in any relationship, whether homosexual or heterosexual. This review applies this theory to the serial killing teams of Charlene and Gerald Gallego (heterosexual team) and to Gwendolyn Graham and Catherine May Wood (homosexual team). The authors conclude that Aileen Wuormos, who acted alone in her killings, does not fit the definition of a serial killer. The discussion of prevention, treatment, and research pertains to histories of child and spousal abuse for such women. 28 references