2.1 Biological theories - Physiological- Lombroso's Theory

Question 1

What is Lombroso’s Theory of physiology and criminality

Answer 1

Certain characteristics determine if someone is criminal or not

Question 2

What did Lombroso suggest about criminals

Answer 2

He suggested that criminals are a separate species and are likely to be a primitive-sub species. This means criminals lack evolutionary development and fail to conform to modern society. From this he suggested that criminality is heritable and biologically determined.

Question 3

What are the Characteristics called that Lombroso mentioned, name examples

Answer 3

Atavistic markers- specific features that criminals have: large jaw, high cheek bones, flattened or upturned nose, sloping forehead, long arms, large ears, extra features (fingers). He also suggested that criminals are less likely to feel pain, use slang and have tattoos

Question 4

Explain Lombroso’s research

Answer 4

Lombroso looked at the facial and cranial features of 383 dead and 3839 alive Italian criminals. 40% of these criminals had atavistic markers.

Question 5

Explain and outline supporting research for lombroso’s theory, and its findings.

Answer 5

Zhang university, did an AI face scan of criminals and it found that using atavistic markers it can identify 86% of criminals. However it had a margin of error of 6%.

Question 6

Name the limitations of Lombroso’s Theory

Answer 6

-Based on 40% of his evidence (less than half)
-Isn’t generalisable
-Lead to segregation of ethnic minorities
-Provides an excuse for criminals to continue committing crimes
-not ethical
-can lead to false conviction and stereotyping