Abstract
This study attempts to discover and model social correlates of infant homicide. A social profile is developed and used to assess the viability of potentially relevant theories, such as theories of aggression, family violence, homicide and substance abuse. Quantitative analyses are conducted on level of violence used to fatally injure the infant and the likelihood of the offender obtaining medical attention. It was found that victim's age and the level of intimacy between the offender and the victim significantly effect the level of violence used to fatally injure the infant. It was also found that the victim's age and the level of violence used to fatally injure the victim significantly effect the likelihood of the offender obtaining medical attention for the victim. Qualitative analysis is used to develop a model of infant homicide. It is concluded that a synthesis of the extant theories of aggression, family violence, homicide and substance abuse is an effective means of explaining infant homicide.
Smithey, Martha (1994). Infanticide : toward a sociological perspective. Texas A&M University. Texas A&M University. Libraries. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /DISSERTATIONS -1555008.