Exploring the rise and decline of American serial killers from the 1960s to the early 2000s, with insights from criminology expert James Allen Fox. Real serial killers blend in with society, society's fascination with them as mythological figures, and the impact of DNA technology in catching them. The decrease in serial killings, rise of gun violence, and the impact of digital pornography and AI on violent fantasies and desires.
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Quick takeaways
The rise in serial killers from the 1960s was fueled by societal changes, like more hitchhikers and sex workers.
Advances in police technology and crime-solving techniques, such as DNA databases and surveillance cameras, aided in catching serial killers.
Deep dives
Rise of Serial Killers in the 1960s and 1970s
The 1960s and 1970s provided increased opportunities for serial killers with more hitchhikers and sex workers, creating potential victims. The era's societal changes, like the sexual revolution and less fear of strangers, contributed to a rise in serial killings. Changes in behavior, like cautiousness and less hitchhiking, also impacted the victim pool for serial killers.
Emergence of Police Technology in Catching Killers
Advances in police technology and crime scene investigations aided in catching serial killers. The progression from limited DNA testing in the late 80s to modern DNA databases and familial DNA testing revolutionized crime-solving techniques. Surveillance cameras, cell phones, and public awareness, such as Amber Alerts, also played crucial roles in catching criminals.
Shift from Serial to Mass Killings
While serial killings decreased, mass killings seem to be on the rise in recent years. The decline in serial killings doesn't directly correlate with the increase in mass shootings, indicating separate trends. Reasons for the shift towards more mass shootings are complex and may involve societal factors beyond the realm of serial killers.
Decline in Serial Killings and Use of Digital Outlets for Sexual Sadism
The decline in serial killings could be attributed to changes in opportunities and behaviors. Factors such as diminished hitchhiking, reduced sexual permissiveness, and advancements in law enforcement technology have contributed to this decline. The prevalence of digital pornography may have provided an outlet for sexual sadists, potentially reducing the need for real-life violence.
In the first five decades of the 20th century, the number of serial killers in the U.S. remained at a very low level. But between the 1950s and 1960s, the number of serial killers tripled. Between the 1960s and 1970s, they tripled again. In the 1980s and 1990s, they kept rising. And then, just as suddenly as the serial killer emerged as an American phenomenon, he (and it really is mostly a he) nearly disappeared. What happened to the American serial killers? And what does this phenomenon say about American society, criminology, and technology?
Today's guest is James Alan Fox, the Lipman Family Professor of Criminology, Law, and Public Policy at Northeastern University. The author of 18 books, he has been publishing on this subject since before 1974, the year that the FBI coined the term "serial killer."
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