Date of Graduation
5-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Sociology (MA)
Degree Level
Graduate
Department
Sociology and Criminology
Advisor/Mentor
Jeff Gruenewald
Committee Member
Kayla Allison
Second Committee Member
Michael Niño
Keywords
Mass shootings; Terrorism; Violent Extremism
Abstract
The overall focus of this study is the relevance of extreme ideology as a distinguishing factor underlying the motivational circumstances of mass shootings in the United States over the last few decades. Along with comparatively examining the lethality of mass shootings, background attributes, criminogenic factors, status changes, and preparatory activities are compared across ideological and non-ideological mass shooters. Data are extracted from the Extremist Crime Database (ECDB), the Bias Homicide Database (BHDB), and Schildkraut’s Database on Mass Shootings. Results highlight key differences in offenders’ experiences of personal status changes and engagement in preparatory activities prior to committing mass shootings. These findings inform investigatory approaches and policies aimed at preventing future mass shootings.
Citation
Schuetter, B. (2024). A Comparative Examination of Background Attributes, Criminogenic Factors, Status Changes, and Preparatory Activities Across Ideological and Non-Ideological Mass Shootings. Graduate Theses and Dissertations Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/5346