biological explanations: historical approach

Question 1

what did Lombroso in (1876) suggest about criminals

Answer 1

criminals are “genetic throwbacks”

a primitive sub species that are biologically different to non criminals

Question 2

what was Lombroso’s book caled

Answer 2

the criminal man

(which is now criticised for being speculative and naïve)

Question 3

why is Lombroso’s historical approach considered a biological explaination

Answer 3

offenders were seen by Lombroso as lack evolutionary development as their savage and untamed nature meant they could not conform to society

so they turned to crime

Lombroso believed offender’s were caused by genetics suggesting criminal behaviour was innate

Question 4

what did Lombroso believe criminals could be identified by

Answer 4

Lombroso believed criminals could be identified by having specific physiological markers that were linked to particular offences

individuals were distinguishable by particular facial and cranial characteristics

Question 5

what form was developed by Lombroso

Answer 5

Atavistic form

Question 6

give the cranial characteristics of criminals identified by Lombroso

Answer 6

1. narrow sloping brows
2. strong, prominent jaw
3. high cheekbones
4. facial asymmetry

Question 7

give the physical characteristics of criminals identified by Lombroso

Answer 7

1. dark skin
2. extra toes, nipples, fingers

Question 8

give the other characteristics of criminals identified by Lombroso

Answer 8

1. insensitive to pain
2. uses slang
3. had tattoos
4. unemployed

Question 9

what were the 3 types of specific offenders that Lombroso identified characteristics for

Answer 9

murderers
sexual deviants
fraudsters

Question 10

give the 3 characteristics of murderers identified by Lombroso

Answer 10

• bloodshot eyes
• curly hair
• long ears

Question 11

give the 3 characteristics of sexual deviants identified by Lombroso

Answer 11

• glinting eyes
• swollen lips
• flesh lips

Question 12

give the 2 characteristics of fraudsters identified by Lombroso

Answer 12

• thin lips
• reedy lips

Question 13

what Lombroso’s research

Answer 13

completed an examination of facial and cranial features of Italian convicts

(383 dead convicts and 3839 living)

to conclude there was an atavistic form

concluded 40% of crimes are committed by people with atavistic characteristics