Atavist Form Flashcards
Atavist Form
genetic throwbacks, having characteristics consistent with primitive humans
Historical Approach
He suggests criminals are ‘genetic throwbacks’ and a sub species who were biologically different, they lacked evolutionary development, their savage, and untamed nature meant they would find it impossible to adjust to the demands of civilised society so inevitably turn to crime, offender is a natural tendency routed in genealogy
Atavistic Characteristics
criminal subtype could be identified through particular physiological markers linked to certain crimes, ‘atavistic characteristics’ mainly feature of the face and head that make criminals physically different
Narrow sloping brow, strong prominent jaw, high cheekbones, facial asymmetry, dark skin, extra toes/nipples/fingers
Offender Types
murderers - bloodshot eyes, curly hair, long ears
sexual deviants - glinting eyes, swollen/fleshy lips, projecting ears, thing, ‘reedy’ lips
Lombroso’s Research
He examined the facial and cranial features of hundreds of Italian convicts, both living and dead. He hypothesised that atavistic form was associated with a number of physical anomalies which were key indicators for criminality. He examined 383 dead and 3839 living criminals and concluded that 40% of criminal acts are committed by people with atavistic characteristics
Strength 1
It was the beginning of criminal profiling. Hollin (1989) suggested he was the ‘father of modern criminology’ and shifted emphasis from moral discourse to science.
Weakess
Issues with explanation being deterministic and unethical with scientific racism. Characteristics found in Jews & African decent. Also links to eugenic philosophies, so cause discrimination
Strength 2
Research support from his research, so gives validity and credibility. However, lack population validity and Goring (1913) did comparison study and found no support.
