Trait Theories of Serial Killers

Running Head : TRAIT THEORIES OF SERIAL KILLERS

Trait Theories of Serial Killers

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Introduction

The issue of serial killers is a pertinent issue in the society which has many negative implications . Serial killers negatively affect , not only their victims but the family members of the victims and the society at large . There exists varied literature which explains the way the mind of a serial killer works in a bid to find lasting solutions towards eradicating the vice of lawless murders in our

society . The aim of this is to critically analyze strain theory which is key to understanding the mind of a serial killer

Studies Show that , crime develops in the gap or dysfunction between culturally induced aspirations for economic success and structurally distributed aspirations of achievement (Siegel , 2004 . The lower classes are the most affected by crime due to competition for success . From Metons ' theory it can be argued that , crime stems from cultural and structural anomalies . Other studies from Melton show that , crime is the combination of cultural emphasis and social structures producing intense pressure on individuals and hence resulting to deviation (Siegel , 2004 However , Cohen argues that Metons strain theory does not explain purposeless crime (Siegel , 2004 . For example there are many cases of serial killers who kill for fun or without any purpose . Cohen believes that crime stems from interpersonal strains which come from group interrelations (Richard Steven , 1995 . For example in competitive environment losers face frustrations and may...