atavistic form Flashcards

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1
Q

what is the atavistic form and who proposed it?

A

Lombroso 1876
- criminals were genetic throwbacks = a primitive sub-species who were biologically different from non criminals

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2
Q

why are criminals likely to commit crimes according to Lombroso?

A
  • offenders lack evolutionary development
  • savage and untamed nature meant that they would find it impossible to adjust to civilised society = turn to crime
  • lombroso saw criminal behaviour as an innate tendency and said criminals were not at fault
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3
Q

what does it mean by atavistic characteristics?

A

Lombroso argued there are physiological ‘markers’ that were linked to particular types of crime - these are biologically determined

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4
Q

examples of atavistic characteristics:

A

● A narrow, sloping brow
● A strong prominent jaw
● High cheekbones
● Facial asymmetry
● Dark skin
● The existence of extra toes, nipples or fingers

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5
Q

Different types of criminals have different physical features:
examples?

A
  • Murderers were described as having bloodshot eyes, curly hair and long ears
  • Sexual deviants were described as having glinting eyes with swollen and fleshy lips
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6
Q

what are some other things Lombroso suggested criminals have?

A

Lombroso suggested that there were other aspects of criminals, including insensitivity to pain, use of criminal slang, tattoos and unemployment

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7
Q

what was lombrosos research?

A
  • Lombroso examined the facial and cranial (skull) features of 383 dead criminals and 3839 living ones
  • He concluded that 40% of criminal acts could be accounted for by atavistic characteristics
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