Stalking: New constructions of human behaviour

Abstract

Objective: In the last decade stalking has emerged as a significant social problem, which now constitutes a specific form of criminal offence in most English-speaking nations. This paper examines why stalking has become a major social problem and why it should be of particular concern to mental health professionals. Method: Using the extant literature, the history of the emergence of stalking as social, legal and behavioural science discourses is presented. An attempt is made to understand the social and cultural forces which shaped our current understanding of the phenomenon of stalking. Results: Stalking flourishes in a variety of contexts; the social conditions conducive to such behaviour..