FP- Atavistic Form

Question 1

What did Lombroso argue?

Answer 1

• Lombroso argued that the criminal sub-species could be identified by a set of particular physiological characteristics that were linked to particular types of crime.
• These were biologically determined atavistic (meaning reversion to something ancestral) characteristics,mainly features of the face and head, which indicate thatcriminals are physically different from the rest of us.

Question 2

In terms of cranial characteristics, what did the atavistic form include?

Answer 2

• Narrow, sloping brow
• A strong prominent jaw
• High cheekbones
• Facial asymmetry
• Dark skin
• Extra toes, nipples or fingers

Question 3

What were murderers described as having?

Answer 3

• Bloodshot eyes
• Curly hair
• Long ears

Question 4

What were sexual deviants described as having?

Answer 4

• Glinting eyes
• Swollen/fleshy lips
• Projecting ears

Question 5

What did lips of fraudsters look like?

Answer 5

Thin and ‘reedy’

Question 6

What characteristics did Lombroso suggest a born criminal had?

Answer 6

• Insensivity to pain
• Use of criminal slang
• Tattoos
• Unemployment

Question 7

Evaluate the atavistic form. (ADVANTAGES)

Answer 7

• The Atavistic Form had an important role in the shift away from theories based on feeble-mindedness, wickedness and demonic possession.
• It was the forerunner to more biological explanations (that of evolutionary influences and genetics).

Question 8

Evaluate the atavistic form. (DISADVANTAGES)

Answer 8

1) Several critics have drawn attention to the distinct racist undertones in Lombroso’s work.
- Many of the features he described as atavistic (dark skin and curly hair) are most likely to be found in people of African descent.
- His claim that atavistic characteristics were uncivilized, savage and primitive supported the eugenicphilosophy.

2) Goring (1913) set out to establish if there were any physical or mental abnormalities among the criminal classes.
- After conducting a comparison of 3,000 criminals and 3,000 non-criminals he concluded that there was no evidence that offenders had particular facial and cranial characteristics.
- However, he did suggest that criminals are more likely to have a below average intelligence.

3) Lombroso did not compare his criminal sample to a non-criminal control group.
- If he had done then the differences he reported may have disappeared.

4) Even if criminals have atavistic characteristics this not necessarily mean that these characteristics cause their criminal behaviour.
- Facial and cranial features can be influenced by poverty and poor diet, which can also lead people to crime.