Lombroso- AC2.1 Flashcards
Identify one feature of Lombroso theory of criminality
He claims that criminal behaviour is heritable. You have an innate predisposition towards criminal behaviour. He argued the physical shape of head and face determined born criminal
Identify a second feature of this theory
He uses the method of physiognomy to determine who would be a criminal-the way you are going to turn out is determined by the way you look
Identify a third feature of this theory
Criminals have distinct physical characteristics which make them look different from normal people
Identify a fourth feature of this theory
Criminals have atavistic features which are throwbacks or characteristics of an earlier stage of human development. They manifest as an tendency to commit crime. Such features include low sloping forehead, large jaws or forward projection of the jaw, receding chins and twisted nose
Evaluate one strength of Lombroso theory of criminality
ID- Garland (1994) argued that Lombroso was responsible for giving criminology a scientific credibility.
Q- He was one of the first to use scientific methods to study crime and he inspired many others to do the same.
EG- Today neuro-criminology draws on some of Lombroso theories and explores the causes of crime- for example whether or not brain injuries or genetic abnormalities can lead to criminality or whether violence can be caused by a clinical disorder.
AN- Recent studies have found that they may be a genetic origin for violent behaviour (MAOA gene) which supports his earlier ideas.
Evaluate one weakness of Lombroso theory
ID- Lombroso findings have been difficult to replicate
Q- This casts a doubt on the reliability of Lombroso theory
EG- For example Goring (1913) made a study of the physical features of thousands of English prisoners and found none of the distinctive facial characteristics noted by Lombroso
AN- Modern reasearch has found no evidence for a large majority of Lombroso claims meaning it is more likely his research is confidential
Evaluate a second weakness of this theory
ID- Lombroso theory also raises some important ethical implications
Q- if we could identify criminals by physical characteristics would that imply that such people could be justifiably locked away before even committing a crime
EG- His research can be used to discriminate against minority groups such as scientific racism. There are distinct racial undertones within his work. For example curly hair and dark skin is associated with being from African descent
AN- Not all criminals have abnormalities and not all people with these abnormalities are criminal. This could lead to wrongly stereotyping individuals.
