Biological Explanations: Atavistic form

Biological Explanations

Historical approach to the atavistic form

• criminals were primitive sub species biologically different from non-criminals

• seen as lacking evolutionary development - untamed nature makes it harder to adjust to civilised city

What is atavistic characteristics?

assumption that criminal ‘types’ can be suggested by looking at physical characteristics

What research did Lombroso base his Atavistic theory on?

• investigated facial and cranial features of Italian convicts (living and dead)

• examined skulls of 383 dead and 3839 living - concluded 40% of crimes accounted for atavistic characteristics

Common characteristics of criminals found

• high cheekbones

• strong, prominent jaw

• extra toes, fingers

Lombroso also suggested that different types of criminals had specific characteristics such as?

• Murderers - bloodshot eyes, curly hair, long ears

• Sexual deviants - glinting eyes, swollen, fleshy lips

• Fraudsters - thin and reedy lips

Weakness to the Atavistic theory

Poor Control:

• did not compare criminal simple to non criminal control group

• failed to account variables - some of the criminals had mental illnesses

• would confound the findings

Contradictory Evidence

• Goring - wanted to see whether there were any physical or mental abnormalities

• compared 3000 criminals to 3000 non criminals - no evidence that offenders are district group with unusual characteristics

• suggested offenders have lower than average intelligence

Scientific Racism

• has distinct racist undertones

• characteristics of dark skin, curly hair - more likely to be found of African descent

• supports eugenics theory - remove whole groups of people to prevent crime