Serial Killers Essay

Serial killers exist in our midst. When a serial killer commits an act, the media disseminates information, and one of the critical inquiries is the motive behind the serial killer committing the act. As a result of numerous socioeconomic causes, crime has only gone up, presumably due to the recent Covid-19 Pandemic. Crime has received much attention in the media. Over the years, humanity is becoming more interested in the factors that motivate these serial killers, even though society is developing these serial killers. Although, society does play a key role in the development of a serial killer. Primary social factors from serial killings will be discussed; these include a poor social support system in childhood development, how criminals

From these social factors, serial killings are often considered a coping mechanism for the traumatic past. Clifford Olson, one of Canada's most notorious killers, will be investigated by discussing these primary social factors. This brings up the idea that how a person is killed significantly impacts the social variables of a serial killer; thus, this will also be looked at. The last idea will be contrasting serial killing factors and crime theories. Two main theories will be discussed: social learning theory and social bond/control theory. Social learning theory will include how these killing motivations occur, and social bond/control theory includes how these strained relationships from society inflict the motive behind serial killings.

Initially, serial killers can have many motives behind a killing. Although, according to Miller, there is a consensus concluding these killings in basic categories, this includes sexual sadists, delusional killers, custodial killers, and utilitarian killers (2014, p. 9). These fundamental classifications show the motivations of each killer, with sexual sadists frequently seeking control and

Two fundamental theories can play into how a serial killer is developed by society: Social bond theory and social learning theory. Booth explains the social bond theory as people who feel connected and committed to society are less likely to commit a criminal offence. On the other hand, those who lack that commitment and connection are more likely to commit a criminal offence (2021, p. 13). This can be seen through the eyes of a serial killer, as illustrated by the case of Clifford Olson. Clifford Olson had a strained relationship with the school and those around him, including his uncle, which led to the homicides shown above. The social bond theory is critical to one's development and life experiences (Booth, 2021, p. 46). This brings us back to Clifford Olson and how his past influenced his development, leading to these murders. Another theory that has a crucial impact on the development of serial killers is the social learning theory. This theory is described as “an instigated behaviour is a behaviour where the predicted response is the consequence. This consequence has been observed or inferred by the individuals” (Castle & Hensley, 2002, p. 461). This can be seen in a variety of ways. The first example is through the mass media, as previously mentioned; observed behaviour can be seen through the media, as well as through strained relationships; this behaviour is frequently observed