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Flashcards in Atavistic form Deck (10)
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1
Q

what is the Atavistic form

A

A biological approach to offending that attributes criminal activity to the fact that offenders are genetic throwbacks or a primitive subspecies ill-suited to conforming to the rules of modern society

Such individuals are distinguishable by particular facial and cranial characteristics

2
Q

who suggested the Atavistic form

A

Cesare Lombroso in which he suggested that criminals were “genetic throwbacks” - a primitive sub-species who were biologically different from non-criminals

3
Q

how did Lombroso view offenders

A

-they were lacking evolutionary development, their savage and untamed nature meant that they would find it impossible to adjust to the demands of civilised society and would inevitably turn to crime

As such, Lombroso saw offending behaviour as a natural tendency, rooted in the genes of those who engage in it

4
Q

what was the new perspective of offenders did Lombroso propose

A

Lombroso new perspective suggests that offending behaviour was innate and therefore an offender was not to blame for his actions

In this way, his ideas were revolutionary

5
Q

how can you identify the Atavistic form

A

Lombroso argued that the offender could be identified as being in possession of particular physiological “markers” that were linked to particular types of offence

These are biologically determined “atavistic” characteristics, mainly features of the face and head (though atavism can include other features), that make offenders physically different from the rest of us

6
Q

in terms of cranial characteristics

A

the atavistic form included:

  • a narrow, sloping brow
  • a strong prominent jaw
  • high cheekbones
  • facial asymmetry
7
Q

what are other physical markers for offenders

A
  • dark skin

- existence of toes, nipples or fingers

8
Q

what are other factors aside from physical factors

A

insensitivity to pain

use of slang

tattoos

unemployment

9
Q

what are the categories that Lombroso put offenders into

A

Lombroso went on to categorise particular types of offender in terms of their physical and facial characteristics

MURDERERS

  • -bloodshot eyes
  • curly hair
  • long ears

SEXUAL DEVIANTS

  • glinting eyes
  • swollen, fleshy lips
  • projecting ears

FRAUDSTERS
-thin and reedy lips

10
Q

what did Lombroso research show

A

Lombroso meticulously examined the facial and cranial features of hundreds of Italian convicts- both living and dead and concluded that there was “atavistic form”

Futhermore, he concluded that these features were key indicators of criminality
In all Lombroso examined the skulls of 383 dead convicts and 3839 living ones, and concluded that 40% of criminal acts are committed by people with atavistic characteristics