Introduction
The case of John Wayne Gacy involves an infamous serial killer. According to Williams, he had “murdered at least 33 young men and had buried 29 of them under or around his house.” In particular, Gacy was condemned for sexual assault and murder after numerous bodies were discovered buried on his property (Williams). This serial killer case can be analyzed by applying the strain theory.
Application of the Strain Theory to John Wayne Gacy’s Case
The strain theory is a sociological framework that examines the phenomenon of serial murder. This theory suggests that people who experience stress or struggle may resort to deviant actions to manage their dissatisfaction (Fox et al. 35). This strain can come from various sources, including economic deprivation, social exclusion, or a lack of opportunities for achievement (Silver 64).
Several elements of strain theory can be identified in the case of John Wayne Gacy. It is known that his relationship with his father was characterized as violent and abusive. As noted by Roshanian, Gacy’s father had an alcohol addiction, demonstrated a lack of empathy and love for his son, and used emotional and physical abuse toward him. According to the strain theory, such factors as violence and insufficient parental attention might have contributed to Gacy’s feeling of social exclusion and need for attention.
Furthermore, Gacy’s biography reveals that he had difficulties with his sexual orientation. As explained by Felton, the man had connections to men despite being married to a woman (38). From the strain theory perspective, social stigma and pressure, as well as the need to conceal his sexual identity, might have contributed to Gacy’s feelings of frustration and stress.
Conclusion
Overall, the strain theory can be used to examine the serial killing phenomenon of John Wayne Gacy by highlighting the aspects of his identity and family relationships that contributed to stress in his life.
Works Cited
Felton, Debbie. Monsters and Monarchs: Serial Killers in Classical Myth and History. University of Texas Press, 2021.
Fox, James Alan, et al. Extreme killing: Understanding serial and mass murder. Sage Publications, 2018.
Roshanian, Arya. “Meet John Wayne Gacy’s Parents.” Bustle, Web.
Silver, James, et al. “Shared Struggles? Cumulative Strain Theory and Public Mass Murderers From 1990 to 2014.” Homicide Studies, vol. 23, no. 1, pp.64-84, 2019.
Williams, Chloe. “A Profiler’s Perspective on the Serial Killer Clown.” Psychology Today, Web.