Unit 2 Criminology physiological theories Flashcards
What is the physiological theories?
Focuses on a persons physical form/ structure to crime. E.g Lombroso & Sheldon
What did lambroso say about criminals and humans?
Criminals are a separate species to modern humans, and that criminals could be determined by there features.
What did lambroso say about atavistic and primitive?
He said that crime was inheritable and those who committed crime have atavistic and primitive features.
Examples of atavistic features?
High cheekbone, low forehead, large jaw.
What did Sheldon suggest about crime?
Sheldon suggested that there was three (fundamental) body types (somotypes) that suggests why someone would commit crime.
What are the tree different somotypes ?
Endomorphic- fat and tend to be relaxed
Ectomorphic- thin and introverted
Mesomorphic- muscular and aggressive.
What did Sheldon find during his study?
He found that most criminals that committed violent acts were most likely mesomorphic and the least aggressive were ectomorphic.
