Historical Approach Flashcards
Who theorised Atavistic form, and what is it seen as today
Lombroso.
- Naïve + speculative
What is atavistic form?
A biological approach to offending that attributes criminal activity to the fact offenders are genetic throwbacks or primitive subspecies ill-suited to conforming to modern society. Distinguishable by facial and cranial characteristics.
What are some characteristics defined by Atavistic form?
- Strong prominent jaw
- Extra toes/ nipples
- High cheekbones
What are offender types?
Categorise particular types of offenders by physical and facial characteristics.
Murderers- bloodhsot eyes, curly hair
Sexual Deviants- fleshy swollen lips
What research did Lombroso do?
Examined facial and cranial features of 100s of Italian convicts both alive and dead. He concluded there was atavistic form. 383 dead convicts and 3839 living convicts, 40% of criminal acts committed by those with atavistic characteristics.
What is the brief AO3 of historical approach?
- Lombroso legacy, changed face of criminology. BUT, Delisi suggested racist undertones
- Contradictory evidence- Goring
- Methods of investigation were poorly controlled
What are the strengths of historical approach?
Changed the face of the study of crime, Lombroso coined the father of modern criminology. Shifted emphasis of crime research away from moralistic discourse and to more scientific research. He catalysed offender profiling. Major contribution to science of criminology. HOWEVER, critics including DeLisi questioned whether his legacy is entirely positive. Lombroso’s work has racist undertones as he profiles characteristics found of people from African descent - 19th century eugenics attitudes. Theory highly subjective- racial prejudices at the time.
What are the limitations of historical approach?
Contradictory evidence- Goring (1913). Set out to see if there was anything physically atypical about offenders. 3000 offenders and non offenders, no evidence of specific types of people although offenders lower IQ. Challenges idea offenders can be physically distinguished and therefore, subspecies.
Method of investigation poorly controlled. He did not compare offender group with non offender group like, Goring. Cofounding variables will be high, and may explain higher rates for certain groups. Research demonstrated links between crime and social conditions. Lombroso research doesn’t meet modern scientific standards.
