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CJUS 230 Annotated Bibliography 1
Criminal Justice Research and Writing (Liberty
University)
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Charles Manson Sociological Theories: Annotated Bibliography
Atchison, A. J., & Heide, K. M. (2011). Charles Manson and the Family: The application of
sociological theories to multiple murder. International Journal of Offender Therapy and
Comparative Criminology, 55(5), 771–798. https://doi.org/10.1177/0306624X10371794
This article studies the psychological aspect as to why Charles Manson and his “Family”
murdered innocent people in 1969. Over the past 40 years, the sociological writings on
these crimes have not yet addressed the motions behind these outwardly fruitless
slaughters, regardless of Manson and his cult following’s infamy. To Atchison and
Heide’s (2011) knowledge, no true attempts have arisen that aim to use the
criminological theory to the killers and their actions. In this article, however, a handful
of theories, such as labeling theory, general strain theory, and social learning theory, and
qualitative research are used to elucidate these events using a case study approach. The
article starts with an account of Manson’s goals to reach with his actions. The deaths, as
well as the victims, are outlined, and several of the criminological theories are brought
forth. Manson’s life is then recounted while lines are connected between the theories and
the occurring events. The article also relates the same theories to events in the past lives
of three members of the Family. To try and help future research on murderers, cult
leaders, and crimes in general, the article concludes with limitations and advice such as,
“In addition to combining sociological theories, the authors would like to encourage
other scholars to consider integrating psychological approaches with sociological
theories.” (Atchison & Heide, 2011). This article is one of the most helpful ones because
it analyzes, on a psychological level, why Manson committed the murders.
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