Biological explanation: atavistic form

Question 1

what is atavistic form ?

Answer 1

• a historical approach to explaining offending
• attributes criminal activity to the fact that offenders are genetic throwbacks
• criminals are distinguishable by particular facial features and cranial characteristics

Question 2

what did Lombroso say about criminals ?

Answer 2

• the criminal is a separate species. a species that is between modern and primitive humans
• the physical shape of the head and face determined the ‘born criminal’

Question 3

characteristics of criminals

Answer 3

• prominent jaw
• high cheek bones
• narrow sloping brow
• large ears
• extra nipples, toes or fingers

Question 4

what characteristics do murderers possess ?

Answer 4

• blood shot eyes
• curly hair
• long ears

Question 5

what characteristics do sexual deviants possess?

Answer 5

• glinting eyes
• swollen
• fleshy lips

Question 6

what characteristics do fraudsters possess?

Answer 6

• thin body shape
• reedy voice

Question 7

research evidence for atavistic form

Answer 7

• lombroso examined the facial features of hundreds of italian convicts
• examined the skulls of 383 dead criminals. 3839 living criminals

Question 8

what did lombroso conclude in his research evidence ?

Answer 8

• concluded that 40% of criminals acts can be accounted for by atavistic features

Question 9

AO3
STRENGTHS

Answer 9

• important role in shifting away from theories based on feeble mindedness, wickedness and demonic possession
• forerunner of more scientific explanations

Question 10

AO3
LIMITATIONS

Answer 10

• biological determinism
• racial undertones, discrimination and eugenic implications
• emphasised the criminal stereotype

Question 11

AO3 notes