ESSAY: DISCUSS THE HISTORICAL APPROACH - ATAVISTIC FORM AS AN EXPLANATION OF OFFENDING

What did lombroso call criminals

Genetic throwbacks

He said they were biologically different from non - criminals - NOT FULLY EVOLVED

They failed to evolve and therefore have savage nature meaning they cant cope withdemands of living in a civilised society where theyre likely to turn to crime.

Skulls

Examined skulls of 383 dead criminals and 3839 live criminals. Concluded that 40% of criminal acts were due to atavistic form

MARKERS

Believed criminals had distinctive physical characteristics specifically of face and head, e.g. dark skin, extra toes, fingers or nipples, high cheekbones, facial asymmetry. Believed there were subtypes of criminal w different characteristics, eg murderer had curly hair amd long ears

WEAKNESS HEAVILY NATIVIST

Ignores environmental influence - incomplete explanation of why theyre criminals. Lacks validity. Eg could be poverty or poor diet that changes facial structures. Nothing to do with genetics.

WEAKNESS - SOCIALLY SENSITIVE

Ethical implications for ethnic minorities + potential for reinforcing harmful stereotypes. Claims about criminal features are often associated with certain racial/ethnic groups - criticised for scientific racism. Emphasis on criminals being uncivilised, primitive and savage could be supporting eugenics movement

WEAKNESS - CONTRADICTORY EVIDENCE

Goring compared 3000 criminals w 3000 non criminals + concluded theres no evidence that offenders were a distinct group with specific facial amd cranial characteristics. However, did find that criminals have lower than avg intelligence. Weakness bc lombroso didnt compare his sample to non offenders. No control group

STRENGTH - HIS WORK MADE IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO PSYCHOLOGY

Shifted emphasis from moralistic viewpoint where offenders were judged on being evil or wicked, towards a scientific theory - evolutionary influences and genetics. Also introduced idea of criminal profiling by trying to describe how people with specific characteristics are likely to commit specific crimes. However he only focused on ‘different’ characteristics. Subjective. People can change physical appearance easily. Eg plastic surgery.