Lesson 3: Atavistic form Flashcards
Cesare Lombroso
In 1876, Lombroso, an Italian physician wrote a book called ‘L’Huomo Delinquente’. He suggested that criminals were genetic throwbacks of a primitive sub-species. They were biologically different from non-criminals.
They lacked evolutionary development. Their untamed and savage nature meant they would not be able to adjust to a civilised society and would inevitably turn to crime.
Physical characteristics of a criminal
Included:
- A narrow, sloping brow
- A strong jaw
- High cheekbones
- Facial symmetry
- Dark skin
Murderers were described as having:
- Curly hair
- Long ears
Lombroso’s study
He examined the facial and cranial features of living and dead criminals, and proposed that the atavistic form was associated with a number of physical anomalies which were key indicators of criminality.
He examined the skulls of 383 dead criminals and 3839 living ones. 40% of criminal acts could be accounted for by the criminal subspecies.
Strengths of the atavistic form
Had an important role in the shift away from theories of feeble-mindedness, wickedness and demonic possession. Forerunner to more biological explanations, like evolutionary influence and genetics.
Weaknesses of the atavistic form
- Has very distinct racial undertones to Lombroso’s work, such as ‘dark skin and curly hair’ as features of criminality. These features are most likely found in people of African descent.
- Goring (1913) after comparing a group of 3,000 criminals and 3,000 non criminals, found that there was no evidence that offenders had particular facial and cranial characteristics.
- Lombroso did not compare his criminal sample of living and dead criminals to a control group of non criminals as Goring did.
- Even if criminals had atavistic features, this may not be a cause of criminal activity. These features may be caused by poor diet, poverty and hygiene, which could be more plausible roots of criminal activity
