Unit 2 - Biological theories 2.1 Flashcards
(34 cards)
What are the two physiological biological theories of criminality?
Lombroso and Sheldon
What are the three genetic biological theories of criminality?
Jacob’s XYY theory, Twin studies, Adoption studies
Atavistic features
PHYSIOLOGICAL
Very primitive features, like the looks or behavioural of our earliest ancestors from early history.
PHYSIOLOGICAL
Summarise Lombroso’s theory
PHYSIOLOGICAL
He believed that criminals were individuals who had failed to evolve at the same pace as the remainder of the human race. He thought that criminals could be identified by their atavistic characteristics.
PHYSIOLOGICAL
What did Lombroso identify as the 6 atavistic features?
PHYSIOLOGICAL
- High cheekbones
- Flat, upturned nose
- Low, sloped forehead
- Large ears
- Large jaw
- Long arms when compared to the rest of the body
PHYSIOLOGICAL
According to Lombroso, what features did murderers have?
PHYSIOLOGICAL
Bloodshot eyes and curly hair
PHYSIOLOGICAL
According to Lombroso, what features did sex offenders have?
PHYSIOLOGICAL
Thick lips and protruding ears
PHYSIOLOGICAL
What four other aspects did Lombroso suggest were those of a ‘born criminal’?
PHYSIOLOGICAL
- Insensitive to pain
- Uses criminal slang
- Having tattoos
- Being unemployed
PHYSIOLOGICAL
Summarise Sheldon’s theory.
PHYSIOLOGICAL
Sheldon used body measurement techniques to connect body type with personality. He outlined three basic body types and associated them with temperaments and personalities known as somatotypes.
PHYSIOLOGICAL
What were Sheldon’s three somatotypes?
PHYSIOLOGICAL
- Endomorph
- Mesomorph
- Ectomorph
PHYSIOLOGICAL
How did Sheldon support his theory?
PHYSIOLOGICAL
He used a sample of photographs of college students and delinquents and rated them on a 1-7 scale on their resemblance to mesomorphy. The results showed that delinquents had a higher average rating compared to students - 4.6 v 3.8.
PHYSIOLOGICAL
Provide a description and the personality of an endomorph
PHYSIOLOGICAL
Description: Rounded, soft and fat.
Personality: Sociable, relaxed and outgoing.
PHYSIOLOGICAL
Provide a description and the personality of a mesomorph
PHYSIOLOGICAL
Description: Muscular and hard-bodied.
Personality: Aggressive, adventurous, assertive and attention-seeking.
PHYSIOLOGICAL
Provide a description and the personality of an ectomorph.
PHYSIOLOGICAL
Description: Thin and fragile.
Personality: Introverted, restrained and self-conscious.
PHYSIOLOGICAL
Which somatotype is most likely to commit crimes?
PHYSIOLOGICAL
Mesomorph
PHYSIOLOGICAL
Which somatotype is least likely to commit crimes?
PHYSIOLOGICAL
Ectomorph
PHYSIOLOGICAL
Why is Lombroso’s theory deterministic?
PHYSIOLOGICAL
It assumes that you are born criminal and unable to escape your destiny which is very pessimistic, ignores the influence of free will and does not align with the criminal justice system.
PHYSIOLOGICAL
Why is Lombroso’s theory reductionist?
PHYSIOLOGICAL
Because it reduces the complex phenomena of criminal behaviour down to the shape of your facial features which is too simplistic and very unrealistic.
PHYSIOLOGICAL
What alternative factors is Lombroso’s theory lacking?
PHYSIOLOGICAL
It does not take into account social or economic factors even though there is a large number of evidence that demonstrates how our upbringing and income can influence our behaviour and the likelihood of becoming a criminal which means the theory is a limited explanation.
PHYSIOLOGICAL
Why is Sheldon’s theory deterministic?
PHYSIOLOGICAL
Because it states that we are controlled by our body type and does not take into account that people’s somatotypes are not fixed. This is because people’s body type changes throughout their lives and an individual has the potential to be all three in their lifetime. His theory ignores free will and does not detail as to whether changes in body type would lead to changes in personality.
PHYSIOLOGICAL
Why is Sheldon’s theory reductionist?
PHYSIOLOGICAL
Because it reduces the complex phenomena of criminal behaviour down to someones body shape which is too simplistic and unrealistic.
PHYSIOLOGICAL
What alternative factors is Sheldon’s theory lacking?
PHYSIOLOGICAL
Body type is not necessarily biological and could link to someone’s profession, experience of poverty or lack of education so shows that sociological factors also need to be considered.
PHYSIOLOGICAL
Summarise Jacob’s XYY theory
GENETIC
Some males have an extra male chromosome, which may cause violent behaviour. This extra Y chromosome in men may lead to higher levels of testosterone being produced, which leads to aggression and criminality. XYY men are known as ‘super-males’ who are more violent than males with a single Y chromosome. Jacob found XYY men are over-represented in prison. 15 in 1000 men have the condition - compared to 1 in 1000 in the general population.
GENETIC
What are the characteristics of a super-male?
GENETIC
- Tall
- Have acne
- Unintelligent
GENETIC
