biological explanations to crime: atavistic form Flashcards
How did Lombroso describe criminals
they were ‘genetic throwbacks’. Primitive species biologically different from non criminals.
Why did Lombroso think that criminals committed crime
they lacked evolutionary development and therefore their savage and untamed nature meant they couldn’t adjust to the demands of civilised society. As a result they would turn to crime
Lombroso took a nature approach to criminality - explain this
he believed that offending behaviour was a natural tendency, rooted in the genes. As a result for some individuals crime was innate and therefore the criminal cannot be blamed for their actions.
How did Lombroso believe we could categorise and identify criminals
argued that the criminal subtype could be identified by particular physiological markers linked to a specific crime. These are biologically determined atavistic characteristics that make criminals physically different from non-criminals e.g. dark skin, high cheekbones, narrow sloping brow.
other than physical traits, what were other characteristics that a criminal may possess
insensitivity to pain, slang, tattoos, unemployment.
what was the characteristics of a murderer according to Lombroso
bloodshot eyes, curly hair, long ears
what were the characteristics of sexual deviants according to Lombroso
glinting eyes, swollen fleshy lips, projecting ears.
what were the characteristics of a fraudster
lips were thin and reedy
What was Lombroso’s research that lead to his historical approach
examined the facial and cranial features of 383 dead and 3839 living Italian convicts. Concluded there was an atavistic form and that was a key indicator of criminality. 40% of criminal acts are committed by people with atavistic characteristics.
what is a strength of Lombroso’s research (AO3)
first attempt to systematically categorise criminals using objective measures of the skull, brows, ears ect. Used a standardised method for measuring skull and cranial features so able to document specific examples of characteristics to be used to categorise atavistic features vs non atavistic features. Therefore scientific to some extent.
what is the issue with causation and Lombroso’s theory (AO3)
The findings are only correlational, so we cannot say that atavistic features cause crime. This is evident in that 60% of the sample committed an offence, but did not have atavistic features. Therefore this approach may be too simplistic and alternative explanations may be more applicable.
However there is evidence that genes do contribute to crime and there is a biological basis in modern understandings, but cranial features alone are not a valid explanation. Modern understanding recognises a combination of genes, neurotransmitters and environment.
How did Lombroso’s theory contribute to criminology (AO3)
has been credited for shifting the emphasis in crime away from a moralistic discourse (in which offenders are thought as wicked and weak-minded) towards a more scientific and credible position (the influence of evolution and genetics). By Lombroso trying to describe how particular types of people are likely to commit particular types of crimes, this led to criminal profiling. Therefore his ideas and theory have been influential in the real world.
what is the scientific basis of atavistic form
Atavistic Form is based on the concept of evolutionary psychology, which suggests that some traits and behaviours have been passed down through our genetic heritage. However, the theory has been largely discredited by modern scientific research.
However Lombroso’s work has been criticised for scientific racism - explain this (AO3)
Matt DeLisi drew attention to the fact that Lombroso’s work had distinct racial undertones. Most of the features Lombroso described as being atavistic and criminal such as curly hair and dark skin are most likely to be found in those with African descent. Lombroso’s description of the atavistic being civilised and primitive would support eugenic philosophies of the time.
What are the implications of Atavistic Form for criminal justice policy? (AO3)
If Atavistic Form were accepted as a valid theory, it could have significant implications for criminal justice policy. For example, some proponents of the theory have suggested that individuals with atavistic traits should be subject to more severe punishments, or that they should be institutionalized to prevent them from committing crimes in the future. However, these ideas are highly controversial and have been widely criticized.
