Unit 2 AC2.1 AC3.2 Describe and evaluate biological theories of criminality Flashcards
What is atavism?
Atavism is the idea that criminals are “throwbacks” to a more primitive stage of evolution.
Describe an endomorph.
Endomorphs are individuals with rounded, soft bodies, lacking muscle. They are typically sociable, relaxed, and outgoing.
Describe an ectomorph.
Ectomorphs are individuals who are thin, fragile, lacking fat and muscle. They often have flat chests, narrow hips and shoulders, and thin faces. They tend to be self-conscious, emotionally restrained, and thoughtful.
Describe a mesomorph.
Mesomorphs are individuals with a muscular, hard-bodied physique, little fat, strong limbs, broad shoulders, and a narrow waist. They are often adventurous, sensation-seeking, assertive, and domineering.
What are physiological theories?
Physiological theories propose that the physical features of criminals differ from those of non-criminals and contribute to criminal behavior.
What are biological theories?
Biological theories suggest that criminals are biologically different from non-criminals, and this difference causes them to commit crime.
What is the key idea in Sheldon’s somatotypes theory?
The key idea in Sheldon’s somatotypes theory is that somatype (body type) is related to criminality.
How did Sheldon complete his study?
Sheldon completed his study by looking at body types and comparing them with the likelihood of criminality.
What were Sheldon’s findings?
Sheldon’s findings indicated that individuals with a mesomorphic somatype (muscular build) were most likely to be involved in criminal activities.
What reason did Sheldon give for his findings?
Sheldon reasoned that mesomorphs were attracted to risk-taking, and their physique and assertiveness were important assets in crime. Other studies have replicated his findings, and it was observed that the most serious delinquents had the most mesomorphic bodies.
State two strengths of Sheldon’s theory.
Two strengths of Sheldon’s theory are that it suggests criminality is likely a combination of biology and the environment and that the mesomorphic build may be a result of criminality.
State two weaknesses of Sheldon’s theory.
Two weaknesses of Sheldon’s theory are that social class might be the true cause of offending and that labeling may be more likely for individuals with a mesomorphic body type.
What was Lombroso’s key idea?
Lombroso’s key idea was that criminals are physically different from non-criminals.
How did Lombroso complete his study?
Lombroso completed his study by measuring the heads and faces of many criminals.
What were Lombroso’s findings?
Lombroso’s findings indicated that criminals were more likely to have large jaws, long arms, and aquiline noses.
What did Lombroso mean by atavism?
Lombroso meant that criminals are throwbacks to a primitive stage of evolution, being pre-social, impulsive, and exhibiting reduced sensitivity to pain.
What further work did Lombroso undertake?
Lombroso undertook further work on insane criminals, epileptic criminals, and criminaloids, suggesting that they were products of the environment.
State two strengths of Lombroso’s study.
Two strengths of Lombroso’s study are that he was the first person to study crime scientifically and that he emphasized the importance of clinical and historical records of criminals and prevention rather than punishment.
State two limitations of Lombroso’s study.
Two limitations of Lombroso’s study are that there is no further evidence to link facial features and criminality, and he did not include a control group. Additionally, his theories have been criticized for being racist and equating criminals with savages or non-western societies.
