biological explanation: historical approach Flashcards
Lombroso 1870
-father of criminology
-criminals had physical features related to more primitive stage if development
-had more similiarities to evolutionary ancestors
atavistic form
-measured features of Italian criminals+ said they were diff from normal ppl
-born to be criminals
-genetic throwbacks ill suited to conforming to rules of modern society
atavistic characteristics
-curly hair
-dark skin
-long ears
-extra toes+nipples
murderers=bloodshot eyes
frauders=reedy lips
sexual deviants=glinting eyes
Lombrosos data based on…
4000 criminals features measurements + 400 dead criminal skulls
AO3:criticsm: Goring (1913)
-compared 2348 London prisoners w/control group
-concluded criminal behaviour wasn’t linked to physical appearance
AO3: Hooton (1939)
-12 year study
- compare 13,873 prisoners in 10 states in USA w/ control group of 3,023 men
-criminal behaviour was due to biological inferiority + degeneration
-criminals=unattractive (sloping foreheads, narrow jaws)
criticism: control group
L’s theory based on measurements of criminals but it’s not compared to a non-criminal control group (the other studies were)
criticism: learning difficulties
-his study might have included ppl w learning difficulties (eg down syndrome) which would explain difference in facial features
criticism: stereotypes
-his features may have stereotyped people as criminals- cause issues for ppl w/ features - ETHICAL ISSUES
-self fulfilling prophecy
eugenics
-the scientifically erroneous and immoral theory of “racial improvement” and “planned breeding,”
- eliminate social ills through genetics+ hereditry
Delisi 2012- racism criticism
-j bc someone has atavistic characteristics doesn’t mean they are destined to be a criminal
-its given ‘scientific justification’ for discriminatory practices and eugenics
