H.H. Holmes: A Sociological and Criminal Analysis of America's First Serial Killer, Essays (university) of Psychology

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H.H.

Holmes

A Sociological and Criminal Analysis of

America’s First Serial Killer

Jack N, Shawaiz S

Brief Overview

Time period: Late 19th century

Infamous for constructing the “Murder Castle” during the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.

Early insights into criminal psychology and the impact of societal conditions on deviance.

Sociological significance:

Early Life Influences

Holmes faced bullying and isolation from a young age.

Potentially traumatic experiences, including rumors of abuse.

Influence of the 19th-century socio economic climate (industrialization, migration, etc.).

Bullying Trauma Time period

Criminal Profile

Holmes fits the profile of an organized killer:

● Charismatic, educated, and methodical ● Carefully planned crimes, including luring victims with charm.

Deviations from the profile:

● Mixed motives (fraud, financial gain, and murder).

● Evidence of manipulation and exploitation

(e.g., insurance scams)

Merton’s Strain Theory

Merton’s Strain Theory is the idea that a society establishes culturally acceptable goals. The main goals are usually financial success or career growth, however all people do not get access to the legitimated ways to achieve those goals. The difference creates a strain that might cause individuals to act out a deviant or criminal behavior. Holmes' behavior aligns with this theory as he was driven by the desire for financial success and personal gain, but resorted to criminal activity (murder, fraud, and other forms of deceit) as a way of achieving those goals. He used his manipulation and control over others to meet the materialistic goals expected by society, which he could not achieve through legitimate means.

Theoretical Explanation of

Behavior

Exposure to fraud and unethical practices during medical school could have normalized criminal behavior.

Lack of legitimate means to achieve societal success may have led Holmes to crime.

Strain Theory

Social Learning

Theory

Urbanization and anonymity in Chicago enabled his crimes. Weak law enforcement in the 19th century.

Societal factors

Confession claimed 27 victims, but some estimates suggest over 200. Investigatio

n

Arrested in 1894 for insurance fraud.

Investigation led to the discovery of his murders.

Conclusion Trial and execution by hanging in 1896.

Arrest

Capture and Trial

Legacy and Media Influence

early case study in profiling serial killers. Societal fascination with his persona.

books, documentaries, and series (The Devil in the White City).

Legacy Influence

Critical Reflection

Lessons learned from studying H.H. Holmes:

● Need for improved societal and legal structure.

● Importance of understanding the sociological and

psychological roots of crime.

“I was born with the devil in me. I

could not help the fact that I was a

murderer, no more than a poet can

help the inspiration to sing.”

—H.H Holmes