Physiological Theories (biological) Flashcards
(11 cards)
What is lombrosos theory of born criminals?
Argues that criminals are physically different from non criminals.
He concluded that criminals can be identified by physical features. And that there features can also vary depending on the crimes they commit
What are the typical physical features criminals have according to lombroso?
Enormous jaw
High cheek bones
Handle shaped ears
What features do murderers and thieves have according to lombroso?
Aquiline noses (like a beak) murderer
Flat noses thief
What is atavism?
Belief that criminals are less developed humans
Strengths of lombrosos born criminal theory?
Simple way of identifying criminality
Identify criminals before they commit crimes
Weakness of lombrosos born criminal theory?
No research since has backed up lombrosos theory
Didn’t compare his findings to the public meaning non criminals may of had these features making this theory void.
What is Sheldon’s somatotypes theory?
Saw criminals as physically different to non criminals. Uses body types to link people to criminality.
What are the three different body types?
Ectomorph (thin and fragile quiet and thoughtful)
Mesomorph (muscular hard bodied assertive and dominant)
Endomorph (fat round and social)
Which body type is most associated with crime?
Mesomorph (seen as the perfect body for criminals)
What are the strengths of Sheldon’s somatotypes theory?
Other studies have backed it as glueck found 60% of offenders in his study were mesomorphs.
His most serious offenders had the most well built Mesomorph body type.
What are the weaknesses of Sheldon’s somatotypes theory?
Whilst biology is important other factors must be taken into account including psychological and environmental.
Criminals may workout to get the Mesomorph body type, due to it being the perfect criminal body making the theory void.
