biological theories - done Flashcards
what are the biological theories of criminality
- physciological theories
- genetic theories
- brain injuries and disorders
- biochemical explanations
what are physiological theories
focus on criminal’s physical characteristics and claim that the
physical features of criminals differ from those of non-criminals
what are genetic theories
see criminality as inherited - you get it through your genes
explain the brain injuries and disorders theory
see injuries or disorders that impact the brain as bringing about changes in behaviour and personality which may cause people to offend
explain biochemical explanations
involving substances and processes which affect behaviour
physiological theory
what is lombrosos theory
he claimed that criminals looked physically different from others
what did Goring (1913) do that disproves lombrosos theory - weakness
Goring (1913) carried out the same research as lombroso using a control group of non-criminals and found no significant difference in behaviour between the two groups
how did lombroso research his theory
he observed, studied and sketched prisoners then made connections between certain facial features which he said criminals would have
name at least 2 facial features of a criminal according to lombroso
- larger jaw
- prominent eyebrow arches
- higher cheek bones
- larger eye sockets
what are some problems with lombrosos theory
- he wanted to prove his theory correct so his research is highly biased
- he conducted his research at the end of the 19th century (1876) so he didnt have modern day technology
- many of the features he identified were not common in western europe so his theory was seen as a sort of racial profiling
what is the key word you need to use when talking about lombrosos theory and what does it mean?
atavistic - reverting or suggesting characteristics of the past for example pointed teeth in humans which were needed in the past for ripping meat
- the features lombrosos recorded were all atavistic features
how has lombrosos theory used today that can be used as a strength of the theory?
Lombrosos work has been used in the development of criminal profiling
what does lombrosos theory suggest about criminals that many reject today
lombrosos theory suggests through atavism that criminals are less evolved that others - in modern day society people reject this as it is believed to be an outdated and offensive view
physiological theory
what is sheldons somatotypes theory
Shelondon suggests that there are three body types (ectomorph, endomorph or mesomorph) which all have different traits and personalities
how did Sheldon research his somatotype theory that can help prove its validity?
Sheldon examined photographs of 4000 scantily clad men - he found that many criminals prone to committing violent crimes were mesomorphic
what is the body type and personality of an endomorph
round body, lack of muscle and wide hips
they are sociable and outgoing
what is the personality and bodytype of an ectomorph
thin, lacking muscle and fat, flat chested and high forehead
they are self conscious and emotionally restrained
what is the body type and personality of a mesomorph
musclular, strong limbs and broad shoulders
they are sensation seeking, risk taking and domineering
according to sheldon which body type is the most likely to commit crime and why?
mesomorph - they are more likely to take risks and also use their body type to their advantage to commit crime
what are some problems with sheldons somatotype theory?
- modern day society has a much larger range of body types that people argue cant be sorted into these 3 catagories
- you can change your body type through working out, losing weight or putting on weight
- the somatotypes say nothing about female criminality
- critics argue that body shape does not dictate criminality but criminality can change body shape
evidence to support sheldons theory?
Gluek and Gluek found that 60% of criminals had the mesomorph body type
genetic theory
twin and adoption studies - why study twins
identical twins have 100% of the same genetic structure so if both commit criminal acts, a genetic cause may be the reason
non identical twins do not have 100% of the same genetic stucture so are less likely to behave in a similar way due to genes
why adoption studies?
adoption studies are used to establish a correlation between criminality and those with similar genes which removes social explanations
adoption studies simlified
Hint - link to socialisation of the child
those who have been adopted share similar dna with their biological parents but wont have been socialised by them so if they commit crime it rules of the social explanations like the child being socialised by their parents
