simplypsychology.org-Cesare Lombroso Theory of Crime Criminal Man and Atavism

Cesare Lombroso

Theory of Crime and Atavism

• Biological Theory of Criminology (1876)

  • Suggests criminality is inherited.

  • "Born criminal" can be identified by physical appearance.

Atavistic Form

• Introduced in Lombroso's work The Criminal Man (L'Uomo delinquente) published in 1876.

• Proposed that criminals had distinct biological traits linking them to evolutionary ancestors.

• Term "atavistic" means primitive, derived from Latin "avatus" (ancestor).

• Atavistic characteristics suggest offenders are evolutionary throwbacks, being wild and untamed.

• Implication: Criminality is identifiable and hereditary through physical defects.

Physical Features of Criminal Types

• Thieves: Expressive face, manual dexterity, small wandering eyes.

• Murderers: Cold glassy stares, bloodshot eyes, large hawk-like nose.

• Sex Offenders: Thick lips and protruding ears.

• Female Offenders: Shorter stature, more wrinkles, darker hair, and smaller skulls compared to average women.

• "Born criminals" often exhibited tattoos, a penchant for cruel games, and distinct slang.

Influence of Darwin

• Lombroso's theories were influenced by Darwin's The Origin of Species (1859).

• Considered criminal behavior a physiological trait rather than a moral failing.

Research and Measurements

• Examined over 4,000 offenders (living and deceased) to find physical markers of atavism.

• Collected data on height, weight, arm span, and numerous physical characteristics.

• Found that 40% of 383 dead and 3,839 living criminals exhibited atavistic traits.

Critical Evaluation

• Known as the father of modern criminology, Lombroso's work shifted perspectives on crime from moral to scientific.

• His theories dominated criminal behavior thinking in late 19th and early 20th centuries, marking a notable change from traditional moral and religious perspectives.

Limitations of Lombroso's Research

• Lacked rigorous scientific methods; no control group for comparison.

• Assumed physical traits were sole causes of crime; did not account for social factors.

  • Agnew (1992) suggested that negative physical traits could lead to social challenges, resulting in frustration and potential criminal behavior.

• Goring (1913) did a study with a control group of over 2,000 London convicts and could not replicate Lombroso's findings.

• Suggested that physical characteristics might be shaped by environmental factors like poor childhood nutrition.

Deterministic Nature and Issues of Racism

• Lombroso's theory is deterministic, implying unavoidable criminality based on physical traits.

• Underestimates the role of free will and moral beliefs.

• Considered socially sensitive due to associations with race and has been critiqued for scientific racism.

Connection to Eugenics

• Lombroso’s theory has been associated with eugenics, which advocates for breeding based on perceived genetic advantages, suggesting eliminating those viewed as genetically disadvantaged.