Introduction
Crime is a common malpractice in many societies. Criminology is a complex field that examines why human beings commit different crimes. The field also studies why criminals behave in certain ways. The film “Monster” narrates the story of Aileen Wuornos. Aileen is a prostitute and commits several murders. She also steals money from most of her victims. She kills her suspects in a brutal manner. She uses most of stolen the money to indulge herself with Selby. The audience can examine and understand Aileen’s criminal behaviors and using different criminological theories. This paper describes how the facts and events of Aileen Wuornos support the social disorganization (conflict) theory.
Conflict Theory
Every society encounters different upheavals and conflicts. The conflict theory affirms that criminal activities usually arise from disorganizations and challenges in society. Most of these conflicts arise from social imbalances. Some social groups might lack some of the needed incentives and opportunities in the community. Some malpractices such as apartheid, prejudice, and discrimination will result in social conflicts. The existence of conflicts in society forces many people to behave differently. The individuals will also engage themselves in criminal activities. The above scenario explains why many sociologists consider the conflict theory as a good explanation for such criminal activities.
The existence of impractical laws might result in various conflicts. Most of these conflicts occur when these laws support the disorganization in society. Public consensus is what determines the nature of every law. Such conflicts will encourage more people to engage in different criminal activities. In the film “Monster”, society appears to have many prostitutes. Prostitution is a good example of societal conflict. The encounter between Aileen and Selby shows how society does not support its children. Selby’s parents exiled her after engaging herself in lesbianism.
Aileen and Selby do not have a home after falling in love. This explains why Selby decides to move back to their home. Society appears to record numerous criminal activities. For example, Vincent Corey decides to rape Aileen. She kills Corey in an attempt to defend herself. This conflict in society is what forces Aileen to kill a person for the first time. She decides to quit prostitution after realizing the impact of the murder. She even goes ahead to confess everything to her lover. Aileen is also unable to support Selby. This situation worsens the situation. Aileen is unable to lead a better life. She is unable to have a good relationship with Selby. This situation explains why society seems to promote and support such malpractices.
Aileen is ready to look for work and earn a living. The film shows clearly how Aileen is unable to secure a good job. This depiction is a clear indication that she did not get the needed academic qualifications. Every prospective company or employer decides to reject her. Society has also failed to provide the best education to its girls. The situation has created a sense of conflict. Most of the men visit brothels and gay bars in order to engage in sexual behaviors. The film’s depiction of Selby and Aileen explains why most of these women are unable to secure good jobs. The girls do not have the relevant academic qualifications.
The existing laws in society do not protect the rights and liberties of prostitutes. The state should have undertaken the best measures after Vincent Corey tried to rape Aileen. Aileen killed him while trying to defend herself. She eventually becomes desperate due to a lack of money. She decides to return to prostitution. She begins to kill more people in a brutal way. According to Aileen, every man is trying to rape her. The situation occurs because Corey tried to rape her. Aileen Wuornos spares one man because he had never engaged himself in prostitution. She also kills another man after promising to help her. The film shows how she was afraid that the man might eventually trick and rape her.
This film explains why most of these murders take place. Aileen decides to kill such men because they might rape her. She is also ready to work hard and earn a living. The existing social environment is the leading cause of these behavioral choices. The social structures and support systems in this society explain why the level of crime is extremely high. The increased level of unemployment and lack of support programs explain why Aileen decides to commit most of these crimes.
Conclusion
Aileen’s social and physical environments appear to be in total conflict. This situation is responsible for Aileen’s behavioral change and choice. The character does not have proper education. She is unable to get the needed assistance from her neighbors and guardians. The rate of crime and prostitution is also very high in this society. The events in this film support the conflict theory. The theory holds that every action or crime will result from any imbalance or disorganization in society. The theory also explains why the best strategies can deal with such conflicts. The approach will reduce the level of insecurity in such a society.