biological theories Flashcards
What are the two physical theories?
Lombroso’s ‘Born Criminal’
Sheldon’s somotypes
What are the three genetic theories?
Jacobs XXY theory
Twin studies
Adoption theories
What did Lombroso argue?
Criminals were physically different from non-criminal.
What term did Lombroso use for criminals?
Atavistic instincts - unable to control impulses, throwbacks to an earlier, primitive stage of evolution
What features did Lombroso think were criminal?
Huge jaws
High cheekbones
Handle-shaped ears
Prominent eyebrow arch
Long arms
What was the research for Lombrosos theory?
Lombroso spent many years measuring and recording details of heads and faces of prisoners.
What did Sheldon argue?
Criminals are physically different from non criminals
What was the research for Sheldons theory?
Sheldon examined photos showing all angles of scantily clothed men
What are the 3 body types in Sheldons theory?
Ectomorph
Endomorph
Mesomorph
What is the ectomorph body type in sheldons theory?
thin
fragile
lacking fat and muscle
What is the endomorph body type in sheldons theory?
round
soft
tend to be fat
lack muscle or tone
What is the mesomorph body type in sheldons theory?
muscular
strong
very little fat
Which of the 3 body types did sheldon say are criminal and why?
mesomorphs - higher levels of testosterone and aggression, more likely to take risks
what did jacobs XYY theory argue?
men with an extra Y chromosome are more aggressive and violent than other men. labelled ‘super male syndrome’
