Serial Killers and Possible Solutions

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the phenomenon of the serial murderer, considering the definition and the many sociological and psychological theories that have been offered for the fact that such persons kill repeatedly, often in sadistic ways. The paper finds that there are certain common features among serial killers, that is most are male, age 25-35, and have a background that includes trauma and abuse. The paper also finds that there are many exceptions to this rule. In conclusion, the paper recommends continuing coordinated studies to try to track down such persons.

Outline:
Upbringing
Psychological Contributions
Serial Murder and the Social Control Theory
The Neutralization Theory and the Desire to Kill
The Labeling Theory: A Social Cause

From the Paper:

"The neutralization theory examines the ways in which people such as serial murderers rationalize their behavior. In order for murderers to rationalize their violent actions, they apply various techniques to mitigate their own guilt. These include denial, denying both the injury and the legitimacy of the victim, condemnation of those who condemn them, and an appeal to higher loyalties. This amounts to dehumanization, common among serial offenders. This theory has been essentially beyond verification because it would require a showing that the murderer neutralized a set of moral beliefs before killing. However, the available data suggest that serial offenders who rationalize their behavior generally do this after the fact, after they have already killed their victims. (Hickey 1991)"

Sample of Sources Used:

• Archart-Treichel, Joan (2002, July 5). "Experts Explore Sadism, But Answers Remain Elusive." Psychiatric News. 37(13) 14. Accessed Apr. 2, 2007; available at <pn.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/37/13/14>. Internet.
• Beasley, James O, II. (2004). "Serial Murder in America: Case Studies of Seven Offenders," Behavioral Sciences and the Law 22 395-414.
• Cornwell, Patricia. (2002). Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper-- Case Closed. (New York, New York: Putnam's, 2002)
• Douglas, John (1992. Crime Classification Manual. (Lexington, Massachusetts: Lexington Books).
• Eager, Steven A., et al. (1990). Serial Murder: An Elusive Phenomenon (New York, New York: Praeger Publications).

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