Physiological theories. Flashcards
Father of criminology.
Lombroso. Criminals are a separate, less evolved species- somewhere between modern and primitive humans. This can be seen through the shapes of peoples’ heads- they are born criminal.
Facial characteristics of a criminal.
Stigmata: the features of a person that are deemed primitive, indicating criminality.
Atavistic: the type of person with the stigmata characteristics. A less evolved person.
Examples of criminal features.
Dark skin.
Long arms.
Large teeth.
A lack of ear lobes.
A lot of body hair.
A crooked nose.
How was the research conducted?
He looked at the features of criminals in autopsies and pictures. He identified the common features, or stigmata.
Features of specific criminals.
Murderers: bloodshot eyes and curly hair.
Sex offenders: thick lips and protruding ears.
Criticisms of Lombroso’s theory.
Genocide+ institutional racism: Black, Jewish+ Romani features over represented. Cicourel+ typifications.
Could be a result of poverty/ stress.
No control group- these features could be present in the entirety4 of the population, not exclusively criminals.
Sheldon’s research.
Used body measurements and personality to determine what body type is more likely to be criminal.
The 3 somatotypes.
-Endomorph: fat+ soft. Sociable and relaxed. Unlikely to commit crime.
-Ectomorph: thin+ fragile. Introverted and restrained.
-Mesomorph: muscular and hard. Most likely to commit crime- aggressive and adventurous.
Somatotypes research.
Examined photos of 4k men from the front, sides and back. Criminals were more likely to me mesomorphic than non-criminal college students.
Link between the brain and criminality.
The prefrontal cortex is responsible for decision making and impulse control- if this is hindered, a person’s behaviour can change. Dementia, brain tumours.
Case study: Phineas Gage.
A 3 foot rod went through his brain during a dynamite accident, going through his prefrontal cortex. He did not have impairments in speech, memory or learning, but his personality changed drastically.
He became antisocial, had bad manners and was prone to fights and assaults.
Raine+ PET scans.
He scanned the brains of killers. They were more likely to have damage to the prefrontal cortex.
McIsaac.
People with serious brain injuries are twice as likely to end up in prison.
John Massey+ brain structure.
Part of Raine’s study. The amygdala is responsible for the fight or flight response, and thus fear. A reduction in the size of the tissue can result in a lack of fear, and increased criminality.
Biochemical explanation: sex hormones.
Christine English: PMT defence. An increase in PMT hormones and her not eating for 9 hours led to aggression. Ran over her bf. Given diminished responsibility and a conditional discharge of 12 months.
Michael Young: He received testosterone injections, which led to aggression and a lack of self control. He shot his wife and received a life sentence.
