Chapter 5: Early Positivism and Biological Theories of Crime

Early Positivism

Perspective denying free will in behavior control.

Craniometry

Study linking skull size to perceived superiority.

Phrenology

Study of skull bumps indicating personality traits.

Eugenics

Policies aimed at improving human reproduction quality.

Atavism

Lombroso's theory suggesting criminals are evolutionary throwbacks.

Born Criminal

Lombroso's concept of innate criminal predisposition.

Lombroso's Theory

First scientific criminological theory based on biology.

Body Type Theory

Sheldon's classification of body types linked to behavior.

IQ Testing

Assessment affecting perceptions of criminality risk.

Physiognomy

Facial analysis to identify criminal tendencies.

Natural Selection

Darwin's principle influencing Lombroso's criminological theories.

Criminal Man

Lombroso's seminal work published in 1876.

Policy Implications

Effects of biological theories on crime-related policies.

Skull Size Correlation

Flawed studies linking brain size to behavior.

Modern Studies

Current research showing weak brain size-behavior link.

Racial Superiority

Craniometry used to justify racial hierarchies.

Developmental Problems

Physiognomy's aim to identify issues via appearance.

Scientific Refutation

Modern evidence disproving phrenology's core assumptions.

Behavioral Traits

Certain brain areas linked to specific functions.

Flawed Measurements

Inaccuracies in early studies of brain/skull size.

Inferior Groups

Theories suggesting control over certain populations.

Atavism

Belief in evolutionary throwbacks in behavior.

Born Criminals

Individuals identified by Lombroso as inherently criminal.

Stigmata

Physical signs of biological inferiority in criminals.

Lombroso's Stigmata Count

More than five stigmata indicates atavism.

Changing Stigmata

Stigmata features evolved over time.

Extraphysiological Features

Non-physical traits like tattoos indicating atavism.

Craniometry

Study of skull measurements related to behavior.

Phrenology

Assessment of personality through skull shape.

Physiognomy

Judging character from facial features.

Determinism

Behavior influenced by external factors, not free will.

Father of Criminology

Lombroso recognized for observational testing in criminology.

Positive School

Focus on factors beyond free will in crime.

Minor Physical Anomalies (MPAs)

Physical traits indicating possible developmental issues.

IQ Test Origin

Developed by Alfred Binet to assist struggling students.

IQ Scale

Measures intelligence with average score set at 100.

Goddard's IQ Belief

Claimed IQ is static and inherited.

Feeble-mindedness

Term for significantly below-average intelligence in early 1900s.

Goddard's Research at Ellis Island

Identified feeble-minded immigrants entering the U.S.

Deportation Policy

Goddard's work increased deportation of potential immigrants.

Lombroso's Crime Prediction

Claimed ability to predict types of crimes.

Historical Context

Lombroso's theories reflected slavery-era perspectives.

Feeble-mindedness

Historical term for low intelligence classification.

Sterilization

Preventive procedure based on IQ scores.

Buck v. Bell

Landmark case on sterilization laws.

Delinquency predictor

Low intelligence linked to criminal behavior.

The Bell Curve

Book linking intelligence to social class.

IQ

Measure of intelligence, often considered innate.

Somatotyping

Study linking body type to behavior.

Endoderm

Inner tissue layer in embryonic development.

Mesoderm

Middle tissue layer in embryonic development.

Ectoderm

Outer tissue layer in embryonic development.

Endomorphic

Body type emphasizing inner tissue layer.

Mesomorphic

Body type emphasizing middle tissue layer.

Ectomorphic

Body type emphasizing outer tissue layer.

Viscerotonic

Personality type linked to endomorphic body type.

Somatotonic

Personality type linked to mesomorphic body type.

Cerebrontonic

Personality type linked to ectomorphic body type.

Personality traits

Characteristics predictive of criminality.

Biology and environment

Interaction influencing personality and behavior.

Medical screening

Early health assessments for children.

Gender-segregated classes

Educational approach focusing on gender-specific needs.

At-risk children

Youth needing additional support and resources.

Home visit programs

Effective support for at-risk infants.

Affordable health care

Essential for mothers and children's well-being.

Hormone screening

Testing for abnormal hormone levels in youth.