Atavistic form Flashcards
what is the Atavistic form
A biological approach to offending that attributes criminal activity to the fact that offenders are genetic throwbacks or a primitive subspecies ill-suited to conforming to the rules of modern society
Such individuals are distinguishable by particular facial and cranial characteristics
who suggested the Atavistic form
Cesare Lombroso in which he suggested that criminals were “genetic throwbacks” - a primitive sub-species who were biologically different from non-criminals
how did Lombroso view offenders
-they were lacking evolutionary development, their savage and untamed nature meant that they would find it impossible to adjust to the demands of civilised society and would inevitably turn to crime
As such, Lombroso saw offending behaviour as a natural tendency, rooted in the genes of those who engage in it
what was the new perspective of offenders did Lombroso propose
Lombroso new perspective suggests that offending behaviour was innate and therefore an offender was not to blame for his actions
In this way, his ideas were revolutionary
how can you identify the Atavistic form
Lombroso argued that the offender could be identified as being in possession of particular physiological “markers” that were linked to particular types of offence
These are biologically determined “atavistic” characteristics, mainly features of the face and head (though atavism can include other features), that make offenders physically different from the rest of us
in terms of cranial characteristics
the atavistic form included:
- a narrow, sloping brow
- a strong prominent jaw
- high cheekbones
- facial asymmetry
what are other physical markers for offenders
- dark skin
- existence of toes, nipples or fingers
what are other factors aside from physical factors
insensitivity to pain
use of slang
tattoos
unemployment
what are the categories that Lombroso put offenders into
Lombroso went on to categorise particular types of offender in terms of their physical and facial characteristics
MURDERERS
- -bloodshot eyes
- curly hair
- long ears
SEXUAL DEVIANTS
- glinting eyes
- swollen, fleshy lips
- projecting ears
FRAUDSTERS
-thin and reedy lips
what did Lombroso research show
Lombroso meticulously examined the facial and cranial features of hundreds of Italian convicts- both living and dead and concluded that there was “atavistic form”
Futhermore, he concluded that these features were key indicators of criminality
In all Lombroso examined the skulls of 383 dead convicts and 3839 living ones, and concluded that 40% of criminal acts are committed by people with atavistic characteristics
