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Mass Shootings – Examining Types of Mass Shootings, Perpetrator Motivation, Causes/Risks, and
Societal Responses
Developed Policy Proposal Plan

SOCI 339 – Sociological Theory

Department of Sociology – Francis Marion University
Xavier Stagg
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Introduction to Paper: The FBI defines a “mass shooting” as any incident in which four

people are murdered with a gun (Department of Justice, 2013). Mass shootings can occur

anywhere generally, what makes it become a mass shooting is when many people become

injured or killed in that instance. A mass shooting occurs in one location in which many can be

injured or killed. Mass shootings have become much more of an issue in today’s society due to

the increase of accessibility to firearms, social media/other online platforms usages, limited

access to mental health treatment services, etc.

In the United States there is a growing number of mass shootings that have occurred

widely. Due to many societal changes and challenges including social and emotional strains this

has contributed to the increase of mass shootings. According to recent data there have been more

than 470 mass shootings across the US so far this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive.

From 2015 to 2021 there has been an 8% increase in mass shooting cases. Mass shootings are the

third violence trend that stands apart from the trend of decreasing violence (Lanterman and

Blithe). These events strike the public as occurring more frequently now than in the past, but

experts disagree on whether mass shooting events are occurring with a higher frequency

(Lanterman and Blithe).

According to data conducted by researchers 1 in 4 mass shooters in incidents with four or

more people killed legally prohibited from possessing firearms at the time of the mass shooting.

States where mass shootings were the highest was in the Southeastern states including Alabama,

Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Furthermore, this data
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continues to fluctuate and slowly change hopefully resulting in more of decrease in mass

shooting cases.

Mass shootings can generally occur anywhere where there’s a group of individuals of

although, this focuses on specific locations where mass shootings have occurred. Mass shootings

have been more common in schools in the past 20 years. Mass shootings have taken place in

universities, workplaces, shopping centers, movie theaters, churches/places of worship, and

public events. It has been suggested that many mass shooters target more open which is drawn to

many people, resulting it becoming more difficult to arrest the shooter. This is different than

hostage mass shooting incidents.

Introduction to Perpetrator Motivations: There is no way entirely to predict an

individual’s motivation to engage in such a violent way (i.e., committing a mass shooting act).

Even utilizing the knowledge from mental health professionals can be unpredictable or

“clinically inadequate”. Researchers understand that predicting such complex human behaviors,

can be a barrier to understanding the perpetrator by itself. There isn’t an immense amount of

research between the relationship of mental illness and committing a mass shooting. Limited

research doesn’t provide enough information on mass shootings.

Perpetrator Motivations: Most Mass Public Shooters are single white males in their

thirties, and about 40% had a known or suggested mental illness. Comparing the time periods of

1986 – 1999 to 2005 – 2015, the authors found that public mass shooters in the latter period were

significantly less likely to be white compared to the end of the twentieth century and were over

twice as likely to be black (Maher et al.). They were also less likely to be single or divorced and

more likely to be employed. In a systematic study on the relationship between the different

mental disorders and committing mass shooting acts. Although, the mental disorder isn’t directly
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tied to the crime which statistics prove. Theres not any evidence that proves that individuals with

such mental disorders are going to commit violent acts. This is a common stigma which can be

associated with the mental illness. “Symptoms of mental illness by themselves rarely cause

violent behavior and thus cannot reliably predict it” (Metzl et al.). Certain psychiatric symptoms,

such as paranoid delusions with hostile content, are highly nonspecific risk factor that may

increase the relative probability of violence, especially in the presence of other catalyzing factors

such as substance intoxication” (Metzl et al.). Psychotic shooters had long term difficulties with

paranoia and psychosis-based disorders.

Mass murderers tend to be frustrated, angry, people…(whose) lives have been failures by

their standards…(and who tend to select targets that are) symbolic of their discontent (Kennedy-

Kollar and Charles). Many mass shooters face plenty of backlash from their crimes, resulting in

feeling rejected and isolated from society. These individuals may also face ostracism which

mainly refers to the exclusion, nonacceptance, refusal, or marginalization from various social

groups and communities. The reasons for an act of mass murder are varied, but some mass

murderers share common past experiences, such as traumatic or catastrophic events that trigger

rage or despair.

Types of Mass Murderers & Perception of Perpetrators: There are three common types of

mass murderers, the pseudocommando, set-and-run, or hit-and run killer, and the family

annihilators (Bowers, et al, 2010; Knoll IV, 2010a, 2010b). Family annihilators are individuals

who commit acts of violence towards their entire family, generally includes their

spouse/significant partner, children, and even sometimes other relatives. These acts are often

premeditated – which is carried out through the intention of eliminating the family dynamic/unit.

The second type of mass murderer is referred as the “pseudocommando”. This type of individual
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carries out a mass shooting or acts of violence with the specific intention of inflicting mass

causalities, often followed by committing suicide. These individuals often feel a sense of false

reality and may disconnect from society. Pseudocommando may exhibit a fascinating fixation on

weapons or acts of violence which arouses their need to commit such acts. They often feel a

sense of hopelessness, grievance, which only further enrages their need to seek revenge. These

individuals may feel as if they are accomplishing much from their violent acts. The last type of

mass murderer is set-and run, or hit-and-run killer. These type of mass murderers kill many

people while avoiding capture, such as product-tampering, bombings, or arson fires (Fox &

Levin, 2012, Bowers, et al 2010).

Society, Youth, and Mass Shootings: Mass Shootings can be very stressful and cause

harm, especially to our younger people. Mass shootings bring detrimental feelings of fear,

isolation, social pressure, and rejection to many. School shootings especially has shifted into

bigger numbers in society resulting in societal shock and concern for our youth. One study of 44

shootings found that antidepressant use increased more than 20% among young people who lived

within 5 miles of a shooting (American Psychological Association, 2022). Students and staff that

witness school shootings are likely to suffer from traumatic stress symptoms, become anxious or

depressed and have general concerns about their safety (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia).

Many schools, even those not in close proximities fear for their safeties which results to safety

concerns for students. Areas where crime is more common, researchers, including forensic

criminologists have seen a relationship between increased gun protection and less strict gun laws

have also contributed to this catastrophe of gun incidents in larger places. This can also come

with questions when addressing safety for many individuals.

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Policy Proposal and Theory: Mass shootings have brought much societal concern for

our schools which includes our students, families, and teachers. Mass shootings, not just school

shootings, have also brought concern for safety for individuals in larger populations with higher

crime rates and increasing the likelihood of being a victim of a crime is common. The Social

Disorganization Theory is a common theoretical perspective in criminology. The Social

Disorganization theory is defined as an inability of community members to achieve shared values

or to solve jointly experienced problems (Bursik, 1988). Examining the various social factors can

help us better understand why mass shooters occur. The occurrence of violent events can be

exacerbated by many social and economic events, furthering community disorganization. Shaw

and McKay traced social disorganization to conditions endemic to the urban areas that were the

only places the newly arriving poor could afford to live in, in particular, a high rate of turnover in

the population (residential instability) and mixes of people from different cultural backgrounds

(ethnic diversity). Many crime occurs due to environmental/conditional influences -

disorganization of neighborhoods can show to increase crime rates.

A fundamental understanding of this theory is that communities can be characterized

along a dimension of organization; at one end are socially organized communities and at the

other are socially disorganized communities. This is a key concept to understand in this theory

because social organization is key to combatting crime. Socially organized communities have

what disorganized communities do not have, which is solidarity. This explains internal consensus

on important norms and values such as a crime-free community. In communities where crime

rates our much higher which can include mass shootings incidents. These communities face

many barriers, experiencing a heightened sense of fearfulness, insecurity, and vulnerability.

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These environments can lead to a breakdown of social norms and expectations evoking a more

disorganized environment.

Communities who experience poverty and economic challenges often lack opportunities

and resources to be successful. When communities face such challenges, violence may become a

means to ‘get by’. Individuals may perceive violence as a way to obtaining power, control,

achieving status over others. When goals and expectations aren’t being met, they may turn to

deviant ways, in many ways which can be seen as extreme. Having lack of opportunities can

frustrate these individuals which eventually leads to resentment, potentially perpetuating violent

tendencies. It becomes much easier for individuals to engage in deviant behaviors without

having to face the consequences.

The Social Control Theory suggests that the strength and durability of an individual’s

bond or commitments to conventional society inhibit social deviance (Hirschi and Simpson,

1976). Examining the social control theory from a sociological perspective understands the

individual relationship and commitments has over one’s life.

The Social Control Theory also explains how individuals are more likely to conform to

societal rules and expectations when they have a stronger social ties to family, friends, and social

institutions. The need for belonging is important and developing healthy and lasting attachments.

When individuals don’t have such a foundation or aren’t able to develop healthy attachments,

they may begin to engage in such violent acts (i.e., committing a mass shooting act). This isn’t to

say that all individuals who experience such weak social ties are determined to act out in violent

ways. It suggests that individuals with more weaker ties, are more susceptible to acting out in

deviant ways, attaching a stigmatized deviant identity.

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The Social Control Theory can be used to understand and sometimes explain why one

may commit violent acts. The Social Control framework explores how social control can help

deter individuals from engaging in the ‘deviant lifestyle’. Much of the Social Control framework

helps explain how many individuals can be easily influenced into violence. Individual’s where

socialization needs are not being met may not develop a strong internalized moral code. This can

result in engaging in violent acts, such as mass shootings perpetuating the criminal lifestyle.

Prevention/Proposal: I am proposing that we should be aware of gun places and those

who own guns should have safe protection of that gun at all times especially when around kids

who are under the age. I would like to integrate community social programs measures in

environments where social ties are weakened and are discussing safety measures and how to

strengthen relationships with others. These Community Programs would include educational

discussions entailing what individuals could do to protect themselves and their families in such

instances. Community programs can also teach communities how to interact with one another,

teaching better skills to deal with community strain, etc. Implementing programs in areas where

crime is more common, including incidents of mass shootings, can be very beneficial for many

communities. This would ensure that communities have each other, even when incidents do

happen.

Implementing violence intervention program that would specifically be available in

schools to teach interpersonal communication skills and mental health support whenever

possible. Mental health support in schools can be open for all students by having trained mental

health professionals with master-level degrees, doctoral-level psychologists, and behavioral

experts to deal with disruptive behaviors. Mental health can be a difficult adjustment for
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someone who is younger, it can even be debilitating. Mental health support helps students

understand that there mental health is important and should be taken care of properly.
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References

Mayors Against Illegal Guns United States, “Analysis of Recent Mass Shootings

Office of Justice Programs.” Www.ojp.gov, 2013,

www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtuallibrary/abstracts/analysis-recent-mass-shootings.

Everytown Research. “Mass Shootings in the United States.”

Everytown Research & Policy, Mar. 2023, https://everytownresearch.org/mass-shootings-in-
america/
NBC News. “How Rates of Mass Shootings Vary by State, Mapped.” NBC News, 26 July 2023,

www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/mass-shooting-rates-by-state-map-rcna96331.

Everytown . “Mass Shootings.” Everytown, www.everytown.org/issues/mass-shootings/.

Accessed 1 Nov. 2023.

Key Findings, The Violence Project. “Key Findings - Comprehensive Mass Shooter Data.” The

Violence Project, 2022, www.theviolenceproject.org/key-findings/.

Abrams, Zara. “Stress of Mass Shootings Causing Cascade of Collective Traumas.” Apa.org, 11

July 2022, www.apa.org/monitor/2022/09/news-mass-shootings-collective-traumas.

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. “School Shootings.” Center for Violence Prevention, 2020,

violence.chop.edu/school-shootings/

Lanterman, Jennifer L., and Sarah J. Blithe. “Culture, Socialization, and Firearms Violence in the

United States.” 2018 | Volume 7, Issue 1, 1 Oct. 2018,

https://doi.org/10.21428/88de04a1.2d4d0a52.

Metzl, Jonathan M., et al. “Mental Illness, Mass Shootings, and the Future of Psychiatric

Research into American Gun Violence.” Harvard Review of Psychiatry, vol. 29, no. 1,

Jan. 2021, pp. 81–89, https://doi.org/10.1097/hrp.0000000000000280

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Knoll, James L. “The “Pseudocommando” Mass Murderer: Part I, the Psychology of Revenge

and Obliteration.” The Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, vol.

38, no. 1, 2010, pp. 87–94, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20305080/.

Maher, Erin J., et al. “Won’t You Be My Neighbor? Neighborhood Characteristics Associated

with Mass Shootings in the USA.” Race and Social Problems, 28 Oct. 2021,

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12552-021-09350-3.

Hirschi and Simpson. “PYJ — Social Control Theory.” John Jay College Research and

Evaluation Center, johnjayrec.nyc/pyj_controltheory/#:~:text=Social%20control

%20theory%20suggests%20

Kennedy-Kollar, Deniese, and Christopher Charles. “Hegemonic Masculinity and Mass

Murderers in the United States.” The Southwest Journal of Criminal Justice, vol. 8, no. 2,

xyonline.net/sites/xyonline.net/files/2019-08/Kennedy-Kollar%2C%20Hegemonic

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%20States.pdf.
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