2.1 - Biological theories

Question 1

Lombroso’s theory (physiological)

Answer 1

In 1876 Lombroso argued criminals were physically different from non-criminals
Criminals had features such as :
High cheek bones, handle shaped ears, prominent eyebrow arches, long arms, large eye sockets and acute eyesight.
Atavism - more primitive/earlier stages of humans - savages/ape like

Question 2

Sheldon’s theory (physiological)

Answer 2

Also physically different from non-criminals. Criminal behaviour is linked to certain somatotypes
Endomorphs - rounded, fat, wide hips, lacks muscle
Ectomorphs - thin, fragile, lacking fat and muscle
Mesomorphs - Muscular, hard bodied, strong limbs and little fat, broad shoulders and narrow narrow waist.
Mesomorphs were criminal due to their imposing physique and assertiveness - leading to risk taking behaviour

Question 3

Genetic Theories

Answer 3

They believed crime was a gene that passed through the family

Question 4

Twin Studies (genetic theories)

Answer 4

Identical twins (monozygotic) share the same genes so both must have criminal gene.
If one was criminal there was a 52% chance that the other was
Non-identical (dyzgotic) twins there was only a 22% chance - possibly having different (non-criminal) genes

Question 5

Adoption Studies

Answer 5

Comparing adopted parents to biological parents

Question 6

Jacobs XXY

Answer 6

“super male syndrome”. A male will have an extra male (Y) chromosome which can lead to aggressive behaviour