Scholarly record
ANALYZING TRUE CRIME THROUGH A SOCIOLOGICAL LENS
Abstract
True crime has long been a subject of both public fascination and scholarly inquiry, particularly within the field of sociology, which has examined this phenomenon extensively over time. Despite its disturbing nature, true crime remains a highly relevant topic due to its increasing prevalence in contemporary society. Cases range widely—from instances of filicide (n. the killing of one’s son or daughter) committed by minors to crimes of passion driven by jealousy, and seemingly inexplicable acts of violence perpetrated by random assailants—demonstrating the breadth and complexity of criminal behavior. This study seeks to analyze selected case studies through a sociological framework, with the aim of developing a comprehensive understanding of the underlying social and psychological factors that contribute to such deviant behavior. By applying rigorous reasoning and close analytical attention, we strive to uncover how these pathologies influence societal structures. Ultimately, this inquiry will explore the extent to which a society’s capacity to respond to and understand such behaviors determines its resilience—differentiating between a society in decline due to unchecked deviance and one equipped to address and contain even the most sophisticated forms of criminality.
Publication Impact Profile
Publication details
References10
Tadayon, N., Razieh & Bijandi, M., Bandura's Social Learning Theory & Social Cognitive Learning Theory, 2012.
Bandura, A., A social cognitive theory of personality. In L. Pervin & O. John Handbook of personality. New York, Guildford Publications: 154-196. Psychological review 106(4), 676, 1999. (PDF) Bandura's Social Learning Theory & Social Cognitive Learning Theory. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/367203768_Bandura's_Social_Learning_Theory_Social_Cognitive_Learning_Theory [accessed Jun 09 2025].
Pakpahan, F., & Saragih, M., Theory of Cognitive Development by Jean Piaget. Journal of Applied Linguistics. 2. 55-60. DOI: 10.52622/joal.v2i2.79, 2022.
Kazi, S. & Galanaki, E., Piagetian theory of cognitive development. DOI: 10.1002/9781119171492.wecad364, 2020.
Huang, Z., George Herbert Mead’s Social Psychology and Sociology of Knowledge. Scientific and Social Research. 4. 123-127. DOI: 10.36922/ssr.v4i1.1322, 2022.
Berk, L & Winsler, A., Vygotsky also felt that social interaction was very important when it came to learning. "Vygotsky: His life and works" and "Vygotsky's approach to development". In Scaffolding children's learning: Vygotsky and early childhood learning. Natl. Assoc for Educ. Of Young Children. p. 24, 1995.
Girvan, C., What is a virtual world? Definition and classification. Educational Technology Research and Development. 66. DOI: 10.1007/s11423-018-9577-y, 2018.
Strohminger, N. & Knobe, J. & Newman, G., The True Self: A Psychological Concept Distinct From the Self. Perspectives on psychological science: a journal of the Association for Psychological Science. 12. 1745691616689495. DOI: 10.1177/1745691616689495, 2017.
Tarba, C. I., Batrânu-Pin?ea, V., Coman, C. (2025), The shift from traditional to online advertising. Influencers’ role in advertising, Bulletin of the Transilvania University of Bra?ov, Series VII: Social Sciences-Law-Vol. 18(67) No. 1-2025, DOI: 10.31926/but.ssl.2025.18.67.1.20., 2025.
Greenfield, S., The True Crime Genre: A Positive Influence for Criminal Justice?. Zeitschrift fГјr Rechtssoziologie. 45. 42-62. DOI: 10.1515/zfrs-2025-2002, 2025. Webography Elliot Rodger case - https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-43892189, accessed on 06.06.2025, 14:31. "Kristan Newell talks about her encounter with Randy Stair (Weis Market Shooter)". YouTube. July 26, 2022. "4 dead in murder-suicide at Pennsylvania supermarket". June 8, 2017. "Victims, Shooter Identified in Weis Markets Murder-Suicide". WNEP.com. June 8, 2017. Retrieved June 21, 2017. "Article clipped from The Times Leader". The Times Leader. September 12, 2001. p. 33. Retrieved January 7, 2025. "Bill Hawker: Where is my daughter's killer?". The Times. London. 16 November 2008. Archived from the original on 20 November 2008. Retrieved 18 November 2008. "Japanese man guilty of killing British teacher; receives life sentence". CNN. 21 July 2011. Archived from the original on 25 October 2012. Retrieved 21 July 2011. "Comprehensive local and international news and analysis". TODAY online. Archived from the original on 12 June 2012. Retrieved 9 August 2012.
View or Download full articleAccess options
SWS access login
Login as SWS Scientific CommitteeLogin as SWS Scientific PartnerLogin as SWS AuthorAuthors and approved SWS contributors will read and export their own linked papers after identity matching by SWS profile, email and SGEM GlobalID.
For librarian assistance: [email protected]
Purchase Instant Access
- Article can be downloaded after successful payment.
- Article may be used according to SWS library access terms.
- Article cannot be redistributed.