Sheldon’s Somatotypes Theory

Question 1

How did Sheldon see criminals?

Answer 1

Saw them as physically different than non-criminals. Certain body types (somatotypes) was a way of identifying this

Question 2

Endomorphs

Answer 2

Rounded, soft and lacking muscle/tone with wide hips
Personality = sociable and relaxed

Question 3

Ectomorphs

Answer 3

Thin and fragile lacking fat and muscle. Flat chested and narrow hips.
Personality = self-conscious and fragile.

Question 4

Mesomorphs

Answer 4

Muscular and hard bodied with very little fat and strong limbs.
Personality = adventurous and sensation-seeking.

Question 5

What body type was most likely to be criminal

Answer 5

Mesomorphs as they are more likely to be attracted by the risk taking it involves.

Question 6

Who was least likely?

Answer 6

Ectomorphs

Question 7

Strengths

Answer 7

Other studies have replicated Sheldon. Glueck and Gluek found 60% of offenders were mesomorphs.
Most serious delinquents in SHeldnos sample had extremely mesomorphic body shapes

Question 8

Weaknesses

Answer 8

Criminals may develop mesomorphic build as a result of needing to be physically tough to succeed.
Labelling may play a part. Mesomorphs labelled as troublemakers => self-fulfilling prophecy.