Physiological Theories Flashcards
What are the characteristics Lombroso expressed criminals were?
They were a genetic throwback - are a primitive subspecies called ‘homo-delinquents ‘
What features did Lombroso argue were linked to crimes?
Bloodshot eyes + unusual ear size - murderer
Big lips + protruding ears - sexual offender
What are the strengths of Lombroso’s theory?
First to scientifically study criminals to find a cause for behaviour - influenced others
By understanding what a criminal may look like we can apply this in real life - maybe to determine whether someone may be a criminal
What are the limitations of Lombroso’s theory?
No control group - can’t make comparisons
Reductionist
Reliability - Goring did not find a consistent difference between criminals and non criminals
What were the three somatotypes involved in Sheldon’s theory?
Endomorph - round and soft, pleasure loving + social
Ectomorph - fragile and thin, self conscious + introverted
Mesomorph - muscular and hard, aggressive - most likely to be a criminal
What are the strengths of Sheldon’s theory?
Reliability - Gluek and Gluek found 60% of offenders in a study were mesomorphs
Validity - in a sample Sheldon’s found majority of delinquents were mesomorphs
Control group used
What are the limitations of Sheldon’s theory?
Reductionist
Ectos and Endos already in prison
Labelling + Stereotypes may actually be the cause - self fulfilling prophecy
