Criminology Theories: The Aileen Wuornos Case Essay

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The documentary film explains how Aileen’s mental state declined over the years. She was unable to control herself. This documentary also examines the inappropriateness of the decision to execute Aileen Wuornos. Wuornos explains how the prison supervisors tortured her using different techniques such as sonic pressure (Aileen: Life and Death of a Serial Killer). These malpractices altered her status and mental condition. She explains how society made her a bad person. Most of the events in this film portray the challenges faced by Aileen. Some films such as “Monster” and “Aileen Wuornos: The Selling of a Serial Killer” portray most of the murders and crimes committed by Aileen.

Every criminological theory seeks to explain the behaviors and thoughts of criminals. Such theories offer meaningful concepts to understand the origin of every crime. Some of these theories can support the events and facts of Aileen Wuornos as portrayed in the film. The Chicago School is one of these criminological theories. This theory focuses on people’s behaviors. According to this theory, every “physical environmental force and social structure will determine a person’s actions in his or her society” (Schmalleger 34). The theory does not consider the significance of personal traits and genetic makeup.

The Chicago School also considers the relevance of the evolution theory towards supporting people’s behaviors and practices. Members and pioneers of the Chicago School argued that the surrounding natural environment will determine every aspect of the community. Most of the individuals in such a community will portray similar behaviors (Schmalleger 58). The above situation occurs because the environment shapes such behaviors. The film also explains how the surrounding environment and events encountered by Aileen Wuornos played a major role in shaping her behaviors. Most of the problems observed in Chicago such as homelessness and insecurity supported the theory.

The film explains why Wuornos should blame her immediate society. She appears bitter because society forced her to act that way (Aileen: Life and Death of a Serial Killer). She also explains why she committed murder. The viewer observes how Aileen lived in a merciless society. Society also failed to support her needs. She did not get most of the basic needs such as shelter and food. The insecurities in Aileen’s society resulted in crime and rape. Wuornos’ society appears to encourage and support such malpractices. The prisons did not transform every incarcerated criminal. The prisons use different methods to torture every prisoner including Aileen Wuornos. The malpractice also controls Aileen’s mental condition.

The events in the film also explain why it was inappropriate to execute Aileen Wuornos. Aileen was a victim of her environment. Aileen killed men because they raped women in the city. She became a prostitute in order to make a living. She worked hard to overcome every challenge. The Chicago School supports most of these events. Aileen lived in a pathetic environment. Her life was full of bitterness. She did not get any opportunity to make her life better (Aileen: Life and Death of a Serial Killer). The theory also explains how the surrounding environment can influence the behavior of every citizen. The experiences encountered by Wuornos are similar to those of the other people in this city. The film questions the decision to put Aileen Wuornos to death because of her deteriorating mental state. The Chicago School is a meaningful and irrefutable theory that seeks to explain the events and developments leading to the crimes committed by Aileen Wuornos.

Works Cited

Aileen: Life and Death of a Serial Killer. Ex. Prod. Jo Human. New York: Internet Movie Production, 2003. DVD.

Schmalleger, Frank. Criminology Today: An Integrative Introduction. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2011. Print.

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