Context Flashcards
Who created the theory of atavism?
Lombroso, an Italian doctor
What is the theory of atavism?
humans evolved from primitive forms so could return to this basic state and succumb to primitive urges
What did Lombroso believe in?
idea of the born criminal
criminals could be identified by their appearance, particularly skulls
What features, in atavism, were so frequently remarked in criminals?
sugar-loaf or angular skull
big eyes, jaws, canines
arm span exceeds height
hairiness
When was ‘Origin of Species’ published?
1859
Who wrote ‘Origin of Species’?
Charles Darwin
What did the publishing of ‘Origin of Species’ cause?
ape vs. angel debate
What was the ‘ape vs. angel’ debate?
victorians lived in a pious society so were disgusted by idea that humans had evolved from primitive creatures
What was a cultural obsession in the Victorian era?
freak shows
Give an example of a freak show
PT Barnums’ Congress of Freaks
What was expected of a Victorian gentleman?
patience, calm attitude
What is calvinism?
branch of Christianity
What is a calvanist’s view?
total depravity ; original sin is unavoidable
people may appear outwardly good but they will always have sinful intentions
What did ‘gross indecency’ refer to?
homosexual acts between two men
What made ‘gross indecency’ punishable by hanging?
1885 Criminal Law Amendment Act
