2.1 Flashcards
What is Lombroso’s theory
Criminals are a separate sub-species of human, they are atavistic. They are physically different to humans
How did Lombroso conduct his research
He systematically measured the physical features of convicted criminals
What are the features of a criminal according to Lombroso
Enormous jaw, high cheekbones, handle-shaped ears, prominent eyebrow arches and long arms
What are the two types of criminal that Lombroso identified
Insane and epileptic
What is Sheldon’s theory
Certain body types (somatypes) are linked to criminality
What are the 3 somatypes
Endomorphs, ectomorphs and mesomorphs
What is the endomorphic body type
Rounded, soft and tending to fat, lacking muscle or tone, with wide hips. Their sociable, relaxed,. comfortable and outgoing
What is the ectomorphic body type
Thin and fragile, lacking both fat and muscle. They are flat chested, with narrow hips and shoulders, a thin face and high forehead. Their personality is self conscious, fragile and thoughtful
What is the mesomorphic body type
Muscular and harbodied, with very little fat and strong limbs, broad shoulders and a narrow waist. Their personality is adventurous, assertive and domineering
What body type is most likely to become a criminal
Mesomorphic
Brain Injuries
Phineas Gage whos personality changed after a major brain injury
Brain Diseases
Some brain diseases have been linked to criminality such as encephalitis lethargica with was linked to destructiveness in criminal
Male Sex Hormones
Testosterone has been linked to crimes such as murder and rape
Female sex hormone
Breastfeeding has been used as a partial defence for shoplifting
Blood sugar levels
Hypoglycemia can trigger aggressive reactions
