Romanticizing Murder By: Rachael Jones Research Question ... | Lecture notes Celebrity

Romanticizing Murder

By: Rachael Jones

Research Question: Why are women attracted to deviant men?

Summary:

Why are some women attracted to deviant men, including serial killers? One explanation

is that women see the attention that the deviant men are getting from both the media and

entertainment industries (movies, television shows, book deals, interviews, etc.). Due to media

coverage, some serial killers have become household names, their lives and crimes put on the big

screen for the world to see. This project focuses on how the media and entertainment industries

can influence women’s interest in deviant men. Like regular celebrities, serial killers have fans,

most of whom are women, and these fans support them throughout their trials, prison sentences,

and even after their deaths. Three case studies are utilized to explore the media coverage of serial

killers that resulted in a following by women. Social learning theory and social reaction theory

(labeling theory) are used to explain how these women observe the media attention paid to these

deviant men as a way to gain the same attention for themselves.

Theoretical Framework:

Social learning theory and social reaction theory (labeling theory) are the most

appropriate theories to apply to this thesis topic. According to Larry J. Seigel (2018) social

learning theory is defined as “the view that human behavior is modeled through observation of

human social interactions, either directly from observing those who are close and from intimate

contact, or indirectly through the media” (p. 239). Just as well, according to Larry J. Seigel

(2018) social reaction theory (labeling theory) is defined as “the view that people become

criminals when significant members of society label them as such, and they accept those labels

as a personal identity” (p. 239). For learning theory this is due to how serial killers and their fans

are portrayed in the media. Given this, many women can make note of how much attention these

deviant men are given, as well as how much attention the women who claim to be in love with

these deviant men get as well. With that being said, if a woman were to see that a serial killer got

married while incarcerated, she would also be able to see the media attention that the serial

killer’s new spouse was being given. Essentially, these women would eventually learn that if

they were to become involved with an infamous serial killer, they could potentially get their own

“fifteen minutes of fame”. Whereas for labeling theory this can be connected because of the

labels that are given to both the deviant men as well as the women who fall in love with them.

Look at Charles Manson and his infamous Manson Family for example, Manson was and still is

referred to as a Cult Leader, therefore the family is considered to be full of Cult Members. The

girls closest to Manson were often referred to as the Manson Girls or Disciples. The media could

use this to their advantage when discussing Manson and his Family. Just as well, this can be seen

with other serial killers and their fans because we label them as serial killers and as fans.

Referring to individuals like Ted Bundy, Charles Manson, Richard Ramirez, etc. as serial killers

gives them the attention that they could be seeking. Additionally, when the media focuses in on

Romanticizing Murder By: Rachael Jones Research Question ..., Lecture notes of Celebrity