2.1 Flashcards
what are biological theories of crime
Biological theories focus on the idea that physical characteristics make some people more likely to commit crime
than others
what are physiological theories
focusing on a criminals physical
characteristics
what are genetic theories
that see criminality as inherited
what are brain injuries and disorders
that cause people to offend
what are biochemical explanations
involving factors such as hormones in offending
What are the examples of physiological theories
Lombroso: Born Criminals
Sheldon: Somatypes
what is the key idea of Lombroso: born criminal theory
Criminals are physically different from non-criminals.
what is the study Lombroso conducted for his born criminal theory
Measured many criminals’ heads and faces.
what were Lombroso’s findings for his born criminal theory
Criminals more likely to have large jaws, long arms, aquiline noses.
what is Atavism when talking about Lombroso: Born criminal
Criminals are throwbacks to primitive stage of evolution – pre-social, impulsive, reduced sensitivity to pain
what were 3 strengths of Lombroso: Born criminal theory
First person to study crime scientifically
Shows importance of clinical and historical records of criminals
Helps to focus on prevention not punishment.
3 limitations to Lombroso: Born criminal theory
No further evidence to link facial
features and criminality
Did not compare with control group of non-criminals
Racist - Equates criminals with
savages/ non-western society.
what is the key idea of Sheldon: somatypes theory
Somatype (body type) is related
to criminality
what is the study Sheldon conducted for his somatypes theory
Looked at body types and
compared with likelihood of
criminality
what were Sheldon’s findings for his somatypes theory
Mesomorphic somatype most
likely to be criminal.
what was the reason for Sheldon’s findings for his somatypes theory
Attracted by risk-taking and their physique and assertiveness are important assets in crime.
what are 2 strengths of Sheldon’s somatypes theory
Other studies replicate findings
Most serious delinquents had most mesomorphic bodies.
what are 4 limitations for Sheldon’s somatypes theory
Criminality likely to be a combination of biology and environment.
Mesomorphic build may be result of criminality.
Social class might be true cause of offending and mesomorphy.
Mesomorphs more likely to be
labelled.
what are the characteristics of endomorphs
Rounded
soft bodied
lacking muscle
Sociable
relaxed
outgoing.
what are the characteristics of ectomorphs
Thin
fragile
lacking fat and muscle
Flat chested
narrow hips and shoulders
thin face
Self conscious
emotionally restrained
thoughtful
what are the characteristics of a mesomorph
Muscular
hard-bodied
little fat
strong limbs
broad shoulder
narrow waist
Adventurous
sensation-seeking
assertive
domineering
