lombroso and atavistic form

physiological theories

• biological explanations can be broken down into different causes of criminal behaviour.

• physiological theories suggest the physical traits of individuals are likely the cause of criminal behaviour.

• correlations between individuals with certain physical traits and criminal behaviour

what was lombroso’s theory?

• in 1876, lombroso argued that criminals have facial features and bodily appearances that are different to non-criminals.

• developed atavistic form theory after examining skulls of deceased criminals and facial features of prisoners - believed they were less evolved than non-criminals.

• found common traits amongst those who had committed crime.

what were the criminal features?

• jaw and jaw line larger in criminals

• larger eye sockets

• prominent eyebrow arches

• higher cheek bones

• flatter noses in thieves, pointed noses in murderers

what are the strengths and limitations for lombroso’s theory?

• strengths: lombroso attempted to scientifically study criminality rather than rely upon subjective opinion.

• lombroso found that crime was caused by physiology which offered an explanation fr criminal behaviour that he was able to prove through correlations between features and criminality.

• limitations: lombroso’s work has not been proven by other scientists which negatively impacts the reliability of his findings.

• ethnocentric view: lombroso’s work has been criticised for focusing on features that are not typical of western cultures and can be seen as a form of racial profiling.

what is lombroso’s theory?

• argued that the physical shape of the head and face determined the born criminal. he compared italian prisoners to soldiers and found that there was a number of physical defects that he believed were the distinguishing features of criminality.