Physiological Theories- L & S Flashcards
What is Lombroso’s theory?
People are born criminals
How did he discover this?
After Villella’s death, Lombroso found the subject had an indent on the back of it’s skull which correlates with apes
What did this skull indent mean?
Some were born to offend man and were savage throwbacks to early man.
What else did Dr. Lombroso say?
Criminals were physically different from non criminals
Name some characteristics of criminals
- Tattoos/Slang
- Long arms
- High cheek bones
- Low sloping forehead
- Prominent eyebrow arch
Atavistic form meaning?
Criminals are evolutionist throwbacks/ display early evolution characteristics.
What do some criminals with an atavistic form have trouble with?
Unable to control emotions or impulses. Have a reduced sensitivity to pain.
Criticisms with theory (Lombroso)
- Correlational- other factors could’ve caused physical appearance. (Malnutrition)
- Doesn’t look at social theories
- Discriminatory and prejudice
What is William Sheldon’s theory?
Saw criminals as physically different from non criminals. Looking at body types. (Somatotypes)
What are Endomorph body types?
- Rounded/Chubby.
- Soft bodies/Lacking muscle
- Short
What are Ectomorph body types?
- Thin/Fragile
- Lacks fat and muscle
- Taller then Endomorphs
What are Mesomorph body types?
- Muscular/hard bodied
- Little body fat/narrow waist
- Strong limbs and broad shoulders
- Average height
Which of the somatotypes are most likely to be a criminal and why?
Mesomorph- most violent and aggressive acts were mesomorphs. They’re attracted to risk taking and display assertive tendencies.
Which one of the somatotypes are least likely?
Ectomorphs- Thin. Too weak to commit any aggressive crimes.
What are the three types of somatotypes?
- Endomorph
- Ectomorph
- Mesomorph
Personality traits of the three somatotypes?
- Endomorphs- Social & Relaxed
- Ectomorphs- Self- conscious & emotionally restrained
- Mesomorph- Domineering and enjoy physical activity.
Evidence and Examples?
Sample between delinquents and students. Delinquent students were Mesomorphs.
Endo- John Wayne Gacy
Ecto- Jeffrey Dahmer
Meso- Ronald Kray
