Lombroso’s Theory: ‘Born Criminal’ Flashcards
(9 cards)
Who proposed the first physiological theory of criminality?
Cesare Lombroso
Lombroso was an Italian doctor who introduced this theory in 1876.
What physical characteristics did Lombroso associate with criminals?
- Enormous jaws
- High cheek bones
- Handle-shaped ears
- Prominent eyebrow arches
- Exceptionally long arms
- Large eye sockets
- Extremely acute eyesight
Lombroso concluded that these features could identify criminals.
What did Lombroso claim about the facial features of murderers and thieves?
- Murderers had ‘aquiline’ noses
- Thieves had flattened noses
Lombroso believed different types of criminals had distinct facial features.
What concept did Lombroso use to describe criminals as throwbacks to earlier stages of evolution?
Atavism
He viewed criminals as pre-social and primitive.
According to Lombroso, how do criminals differ in their control of impulses?
They are unable to control their impulses
Lombroso believed criminals had reduced sensitivity to pain. Hence they often had tattoos
How did Lombroso describe the nature of criminals in modern society?
Abnormal
He argued that in a more ‘primitive’ society, criminals would be normal.
What did Lombroso believe about the identification of ‘born criminals’?
They could be identified scientifically by reading their bodies
Lombroso’s theory emphasized physical characteristics marking them as different.
Strengths
Lombroso = first person to study crime scientifically.
His research showed the importance of examining clinical and historical records of criminals.
Weaknesses
Research since Lombroso has failed to show link between facial features and criminality.
Lombroso failed to compare his findings on prisoners w/ non-criminals
