Biological theories of criminality: physiological theories Flashcards
What is atavism?
The idea that criminals are ‘throwbacks’ to more primitive stage of evolution
What is an endomorph?
Rounded, soft bodied, lacking muscle. Sociable, relaxed, outgoing
What is an ectomorph?
Thin, fragile, lacking fat and muscle. Flat chested, narrow hips and shoulders, thin face. Self conscious, emotionally restrained, thoughtful
What is a mesomorph?
Muscular, hard-bodied, little fat, strong limbs, broad shoulder, narrow waist. Adventurous, sensation-seeking, assertive, domineering
What are physiological theories?
These biological theories claim that the physical features of criminals differ from non-criminals
What are biological theories?
Criminals are biologically different from non-criminals and this difference causes them to commit crime
What are the key ideas of Lombroso?
Criminals are physically different from non-criminals
What was Lombroso’s study?
Measured many criminals’ heads and faces
What did Lombroso find?
Criminals more likely to have large jaws, long arms, aquiline noses
What is atavism linking to Lombroso?
Criminals are throwbacks to primitive stage of evolution – pre-social, impulsive, reduced sensitivity to pain
What is further work of Lombroso?
Insane criminals, epileptic criminals. Criminaloids – product of environment
What is one strength of Lombroso?
First person to study crime scientifically
What is a second strength of Lombroso?
Shows importance of clinical and historical records of criminals
What is a third strength of Lombroso?
Helps to focus on prevention not punishment
What is one limitation of Lombroso?
No further evidence to link facial features and criminality
What is a second limitation of Lombroso?
Did not compare with control group of non-criminals
What is a third limitation of Lombroso?
Racist. Equates criminals with savages/ non-western society
What are the key ideas of Sheldon?
Somatotype (body type) is related to criminality
What was Sheldon’s study?
Looked at body types and compared with likelihood of criminality
What was the findings of Sheldon?
Mesomorphic somatotype most likely to be criminal
What was the reason for Mesomorphic somatotype most likely to be criminal?
Attracted by risk-taking and their physique and assertiveness are important assets in crime
What is one strength of Sheldon?
Other studies replicate findings
What is a second strength of Sheldon?
Most serious delinquents had most mesomorphic bodies
What is one limitation of Sheldon?
Criminality likely to be a combination of biology and environment
What is a second limitation of Sheldon?
Mesomorphic build may be result of criminality
What is a third limitation of Sheldon
Social class might be true cause of offending and mesomorph
What is a fourth limitation of Sheldon?
Mesomorphs more likely to be labelled
