Just a quick history
Just a little stalking history
Stalking's history is often considered to have begun with either the murder of Rebecca Schaeffer or the attack of Theresa Saldana and largely enmeshed with rich history of the glamours in the Hollywood hills (Mullen, et al., 2009; Gross, 2012) However, there is a much more deep and rich history, one that blossomed and grew as a network of rather complex vines up a fence, still needing to be parsed out, through our cultural evolution.
just a brief History
Phase One: 1980-1988
The first period identified was that in which articles were published with headings with bold titles such as "psychological rape" and "obsessive following," however the word "stalking" had yet to emerge. Victims nonetheless were often depicted as culpable and thus commanded little attention from the public.
Phase Two: 1989-1991
During this period, the term star-stalker first emerged. Rebecca Schaeffer's murder drew the attention of the media, and with it, lawmakers.
Phase Three: 1992-1994
During this period stalking was "redefined" as a woman's issue, as it was subsumed within the context of failed relationships and domestic violence.
Phase Four: Consolidation
This can occur whenever social problems are being addressed by social agencies and held responsible for tasks through political agendas. Maryland's law passed in 1993.
Phase Five: Reification
When this stage occurs, the problem itself, stalking, becomes accepted as an unfortunate part of society, to be accepted, like plastic in the ocean, 'there's nothing that can be done,' or 'it's too big to tackle.'
just a few trends
Privacy
Community
Community
Privacy concerns have been an increasing problem in society, real or imagined. These concerns are increased for those in the public. However, cybersecurity has increased those risks. Information is now more public, and more people are becoming aware of its accessibility.
Community
Community
Community
Bonds that linked neighbors in past generations no longer exist. We are more likely to communicate online, in our work or at school. with individuals we do not know or trust, which can lead to distrust or fear.
Victim/perpetrator Roles
Victim/perpetrator Roles
Victim/perpetrator Roles
"Crime" and the criminal justice system became the preeminent way we understand and manage social problems, therefore we ascribe specific roles to those involved.
Women Changing roles
Victim/perpetrator Roles
Victim/perpetrator Roles
It is theorized that women's changing roles have impacted not only the recognition of stalking, but also had an impact on the increase in stalking incidences reported.
Women can reject advances.
Women have greater prominence, and seniority, in employment positions.
Women are unaccompanied more frequently.
