Forensics- Biological Explanations: Atavistic Form Flashcards
Atavistic form -
A biological approach to offending that attributes criminal activity to the fact that offenders are genetic throwbacks or a primitive subspecies ill-suited to conforming to the rules of modern society. Such individuals are distinguishable by particular facial and cranial characteristics.
What is the atavistic form according to Lombroso?
Lombroso proposed that criminals are ‘genetic throwbacks’—a primitive sub-species biologically different from non-criminals. He viewed them as lacking evolutionary development, with their untamed and savage nature making them unable to adjust to the demands of civilized society, leading them to crime.
How did Lombroso view criminal behavior?
He saw criminal behavior as a natural tendency rooted in genealogy, suggesting that offenders were biologically predisposed to crime.
What are atavistic characteristics?
Atavistic characteristics are biologically determined traits, primarily features of the face and head, which Lombroso believed marked individuals as criminals.
These include:
• Cranial features: narrow, sloping brow; prominent jaw; high cheekbones; facial asymmetry.
• Other physical traits: dark skin, extra toes, nipples, or fingers.
What physical traits did Lombroso associate with specific types of criminals?
•Murderers: bloodshot eyes, curly hair, long ears.
•Sexual deviants: glinting eyes, swollen, fleshy lips, projecting ears.
•Fraudsters: thin, reedy lips.
What additional traits did Lombroso associate with criminals?
Insensitivity to pain, use of criminal slang, tattoos, and unemployment.
How did Lombroso conduct his research?
He meticulously examined the facial and cranial features of hundreds of Italian convicts, both living and dead:
•Skulls of 333 dead criminals.
•Facial features of 3839 living criminals.
He concluded that 40% of criminal acts were committed by individuals with atavistic characteristics.
What was Lombroso’s contribution to criminology?
Lombroso is hailed as the ‘father of modern criminology.’ He shifted the focus of crime research from moralistic judgments (viewing offenders as wicked or weak-minded) to a scientific approach that considered evolutionary and genetic influences. His work also laid the foundation for modern offender profiling.
What was Lombroso’s contribution to criminology?
Lombroso is hailed as the ‘father of modern criminology.’ He shifted the focus of crime research from moralistic judgments (viewing offenders as wicked or weak-minded) to a scientific approach that considered evolutionary and genetic influences. His work also laid the foundation for modern offender profiling.
What criticisms have been made about Lombroso’s theory?
Science
•Scientific racism:
Critics, such as Matt DeLisi (2012), argue that Lombroso’s work has racist undertones. Many atavistic traits, such as dark skin and curly hair, are more common in people of African descent. Lombroso’s descriptions of criminals as ‘primitive’ and ‘savage’ align with the eugenic philosophies of his time, raising uncomfortable questions about his legacy.
What criticisms have been made about Lombroso’s theory?
Contradictory
•Contradictory evidence:
Charles Goring (1913) compared 3000 criminals and 3000 non-criminals and found no evidence that offenders are a distinct group with unusual facial or cranial characteristics. However, he did suggest that criminals have lower-than-average intelligence, which partially supports Lombroso’s claim of inherent differences but refutes the idea that physical appearance is a key factor.
What criticisms have been made about Lombroso’s theory?
Control
• Poor control in research:
Lombroso failed to use a control group of non-criminals. Had he done so, the differences in atavistic characteristics might not have been significant. Additionally, many of the criminals he studied had psychological disorders, which may have confounded his findings.
What criticisms have been made about Lombroso’s theory?
Causation
•Causation issues:
Even if some criminals display atavistic characteristics, these may not be the cause of their criminality. Factors like poverty or poor diet could also explain these traits.
Did Lombroso revise his views?
In his later work, Lombroso acknowledged that environmental factors could play a role in criminal behavior, suggesting that criminals could be made as well as born
Did Lombroso revise his views?
In his later work, Lombroso acknowledged that environmental factors could play a role in criminal behavior, suggesting that criminals could be made as well as born
