Physiological Theories Flashcards
What is Lombrosos Born Criminal Theory
Physical features can indicate criminality.
Examples of physical features (LBC)
- Beak-like nose
- Tatoos
- Square jaw
- Large foreheads
- Handle-shaped ears
- Prominent eyebrow arches
What is atavism
Atavism is a throwback to an earlier, primitive stage of evolution
What were criminals described as? (LBC)
Criminals were described as ‘savages’, as they were pre-social, unable to control their impulses and had a reduced sensitivity to pain. This is why they often had Tatoos.
Was the theory effective? (LBC)
It doesn’t work, as his study was biased, as he only researched criminals and prisoners instead of the general public. Other people can have these features and not be criminal
Who did he study? (LBC)
He studied thousands of heads and faces of prisoners
What was Sheldons Somatotypes?
Split people into body types to indicate criminal behaviour
Features of an endomorph
- round
- tend to be fat
- lack muscle or tone
- wide hips
- sociable, outgoing
- relaxed, comfortable
Features of a mesomorph
- muscular
- very little fat
- broad shoulders
- narrow waist
- assertive
- sensation-seeking
- adventurous
Features of an ectomorph
- thin and fragile
- lack muscle and fat
- narrow hips and shoulders
- self conscious
- inward-looking
- emotionally restrained
- thoughtful
Which body type is likely to be criminal?
Mesomorphs are more likely to be criminal, as they are often more attracted to risk-taking situations. They are also the ‘best-equipped’, as they are strong and athletic
Is SS effective?
Theory doesn’t work, as there are more than three body types in the world, and often people are a blend of the three types. Also, people with the mesomorph type may just be athletic through sport.
Pros of LBC
+First person to scientifically gather data around why people commit crimes
+By suggesting criminals do not offend out of free will, we can look how to prevent rather than punish crimes
Cons of LBC
- No scientific link between physical features and criminality
- Failed to compare physical features to non-criminals; same characteristics exist in the rest of the population
Pros of SS
+Sheldons sample did show the worst criminals to be mesomorphic
+Other studies agree, such as Glueck and Glueck 60% of criminals were mesomorphs
