Biological Theories of Crime: Lombroso, Twin Studies, and XYY Theory

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Demetra

11/05/2023

Criminology

AC 2.1 Biological Theories of Criminality

Subjects

Criminology

Criminological theories

Theories of criminality

Biological theories

Biological Theories of Crime: Lombroso, Twin Studies, and XYY Theory

Biological theories of crime explore the link between physical characteristics and criminal behavior. This summary covers key theories and their evaluations.

Lombroso's "born criminal" theory proposed criminals have distinct physical features
Sheldon's somatotype theory linked body types to criminal tendencies
Twin and XYY studies examine genetic influences on criminality
Strengths include scientific approaches and some supporting evidence
Weaknesses involve determinism, lack of controls, and overlooking environmental factors

11/05/2023

LOMBROSO'S THEORY (1876) - "BORN CRIMINAL"
An Italian psychiatrist and military doctor- known as the "Father of Modern
Criminology".
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Sheldon's Criminal "Build" Theory

William Sheldon developed a biological theory of criminality based on body types called somatotypes. He proposed that certain body shapes were more prone to criminal behavior.

Sheldon's somatotypes:

Ectomorphic - thin and fragile
Endomorphic - round and soft
Mesomorphic - muscular and triangular

Definition: Somatotype - The structure or build of a person's body

Sheldon argued mesomorphs were most associated with crime due to their intimidating appearance and tendency for risk-taking behavior.

Research methods:

Photographed college students (control) and delinquents
Rated subjects on a 1-7 scale of resemblance to mesomorphs
Studied front, side and back views of 4000 men

Example: Sheldon was inspired by observing his father breed poultry and dogs, noting genetic influences

Evaluation:

Strengths:

Some studies found small associations between body type and criminality
Used control groups for comparison
Large sample size of 4000 subjects

Highlight: Glueck and Glueck (1956) found 60% of offenders were mesomorphs vs 31% of non-offenders

Weaknesses:

Social class could be the true cause, not body type
Ectomorphs and endomorphs also commit crimes
Body types are not fixed for life
Correlation does not prove causation
May lead to self-fulfilling prophecy for mesomorphs

Quote: "Glueck and Glueck (1950s) found that criminality was best explained by a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors."

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Twin Studies and XYY Theory

Twin studies and research on the XYY chromosome provide insight into potential genetic influences on criminal behavior. These approaches fall under individualistic theories of criminality.

Twin Studies:

Compare concordance rates of criminal behavior in identical vs fraternal twins
Higher concordance in identical twins suggests genetic factors

Definition: Concordance rate - The percentage of twin pairs who both exhibit the same trait

XYY Theory:

Proposed males with an extra Y chromosome are more prone to criminality
Based on higher rates of XYY syndrome found in prison populations

Vocabulary: XYY syndrome - A rare chromosomal disorder in males

Evaluation:

Strengths:

Twin studies provide natural experiments to isolate genetic factors
Some evidence of higher XYY rates in offender populations

Weaknesses:

Environmental factors still play a significant role
Most individuals with XYY do not become criminals
Ethical concerns about genetic profiling

Example: A famous case of an XYY criminal is Richard Speck, who murdered eight student nurses

Highlight: Modern research focuses on gene-environment interactions rather than genetic determinism

View

Evaluation of Biological Theories of Crime

Biological theories of crime have contributed valuable insights but also face significant criticisms. This section evaluates the overall strengths and weaknesses of these approaches.

Strengths:

Scientific approach: Use empirical methods and measurable data
Initiated important criminological research areas like offender profiling
Some supporting evidence from modern neuroscience and genetics studies
Highlight potential biological risk factors for criminal behavior

Example: Brain imaging studies have found differences in the prefrontal cortex of some offenders

Weaknesses:

Overly deterministic: Ignore free will and individual choice
Neglect social and environmental factors in criminal behavior
Risk promoting harmful stereotypes and discrimination
Correlation does not prove causation in many studies
Ethical concerns about genetic profiling and biological interventions

Quote: "Criminality is best explained by a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors." - Glueck and Glueck

Modern Perspectives:

Focus on gene-environment interactions rather than pure biological determinism
Integrate biological factors with social and psychological theories
Emphasize early intervention and prevention based on risk factors
Consider ethical implications of biological approaches to crime

Highlight: The field of neurocriminology examines how brain structure and function relate to criminal behavior

In conclusion, while biological theories of criminality have limitations, they continue to inform our understanding of criminal behavior when combined with other perspectives. Future research should focus on integrating biological insights with social and psychological factors to develop more comprehensive explanations of crime.

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Subjects

Criminology

Criminological theories

Theories of criminality

Biological theories

Biological Theories of Crime: Lombroso, Twin Studies, and XYY Theory

Demetra

@demetra_21

472 Followers

Biological theories of crime explore the link between physical characteristics and criminal behavior. This summary covers key theories and their evaluations.

Lombroso's "born criminal" theory proposed criminals have distinct physical features
Sheldon's somatotype theory linked body types to criminal tendencies
Twin and XYY studies examine genetic influences on criminality
Strengths include scientific approaches and some supporting evidence
Weaknesses involve determinism, lack of controls, and overlooking environmental factors

...

11/05/2023

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Criminology

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Sheldon's Criminal "Build" Theory

William Sheldon developed a biological theory of criminality based on body types called somatotypes. He proposed that certain body shapes were more prone to criminal behavior.

Sheldon's somatotypes:

Ectomorphic - thin and fragile
Endomorphic - round and soft
Mesomorphic - muscular and triangular

Definition: Somatotype - The structure or build of a person's body

Sheldon argued mesomorphs were most associated with crime due to their intimidating appearance and tendency for risk-taking behavior.

Research methods:

Photographed college students (control) and delinquents
Rated subjects on a 1-7 scale of resemblance to mesomorphs
Studied front, side and back views of 4000 men

Example: Sheldon was inspired by observing his father breed poultry and dogs, noting genetic influences

Evaluation:

Strengths:

Some studies found small associations between body type and criminality
Used control groups for comparison
Large sample size of 4000 subjects

Highlight: Glueck and Glueck (1956) found 60% of offenders were mesomorphs vs 31% of non-offenders

Weaknesses:

Social class could be the true cause, not body type
Ectomorphs and endomorphs also commit crimes
Body types are not fixed for life
Correlation does not prove causation
May lead to self-fulfilling prophecy for mesomorphs

Quote: "Glueck and Glueck (1950s) found that criminality was best explained by a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors."

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Twin Studies and XYY Theory

Twin studies and research on the XYY chromosome provide insight into potential genetic influences on criminal behavior. These approaches fall under individualistic theories of criminality.

Twin Studies:

Compare concordance rates of criminal behavior in identical vs fraternal twins
Higher concordance in identical twins suggests genetic factors

Definition: Concordance rate - The percentage of twin pairs who both exhibit the same trait

XYY Theory:

Proposed males with an extra Y chromosome are more prone to criminality
Based on higher rates of XYY syndrome found in prison populations

Vocabulary: XYY syndrome - A rare chromosomal disorder in males

Evaluation:

Strengths:

Twin studies provide natural experiments to isolate genetic factors
Some evidence of higher XYY rates in offender populations

Weaknesses:

Environmental factors still play a significant role
Most individuals with XYY do not become criminals
Ethical concerns about genetic profiling

Example: A famous case of an XYY criminal is Richard Speck, who murdered eight student nurses

Highlight: Modern research focuses on gene-environment interactions rather than genetic determinism

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Access to all documents

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Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Evaluation of Biological Theories of Crime

Biological theories of crime have contributed valuable insights but also face significant criticisms. This section evaluates the overall strengths and weaknesses of these approaches.

Strengths:

Scientific approach: Use empirical methods and measurable data
Initiated important criminological research areas like offender profiling
Some supporting evidence from modern neuroscience and genetics studies
Highlight potential biological risk factors for criminal behavior

Example: Brain imaging studies have found differences in the prefrontal cortex of some offenders

Weaknesses:

Overly deterministic: Ignore free will and individual choice
Neglect social and environmental factors in criminal behavior
Risk promoting harmful stereotypes and discrimination
Correlation does not prove causation in many studies
Ethical concerns about genetic profiling and biological interventions

Quote: "Criminality is best explained by a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors." - Glueck and Glueck

Modern Perspectives:

Focus on gene-environment interactions rather than pure biological determinism
Integrate biological factors with social and psychological theories
Emphasize early intervention and prevention based on risk factors
Consider ethical implications of biological approaches to crime

Highlight: The field of neurocriminology examines how brain structure and function relate to criminal behavior

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Improve your grades

Join milions of students

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Lombroso's "Born Criminal" Theory

Cesare Lombroso, known as the "Father of Modern Criminology", developed the biological theory of crime that criminals are born with distinct physical characteristics. His theory of atavism proposed that criminals were evolutionary throwbacks.

Key points of Lombroso's theory:

Criminals have identifiable physical features like projected ears and thick lips
40% of criminal acts could be attributed to atavistic characteristics
Female criminals were considered rare and had features like excessive body hair

Vocabulary: Atavism - Being at a primitive stage of evolution

Example: Lombroso conducted post-mortem examinations on criminals, noting unusual skull shapes

Evaluation:

Strengths:

Based on detailed scientific observations of criminals
Initiated offender profiling techniques used by police
Some studies show less attractive individuals more likely to be considered guilty

Highlight: Recent AI research correctly identified 83% of criminals based on facial features

Weaknesses:

Lacked proper control groups for comparison
Only studied caught criminals, not those who evaded capture
Deterministic approach ignores free will
Reflects racist prejudices of the time

Quote: "DeLisi (2012) points out the majority of the atavistic features are features of African descent."

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Students have uploaded notes

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I love this app so much, I also use it daily. I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a D to an A with it :D

Philip, iOS User

The app is very simple and well designed. So far I have always found everything I was looking for :D

Lena, iOS user

Biological Theories of Crime: Lombroso, Twin Studies, and XYY Theory

Sheldon's Criminal "Build" Theory

Twin Studies and XYY Theory

Evaluation of Biological Theories of Crime

Similar content

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the #1 education app in five European countries

Knowunity has been named a featured story on Apple and has regularly topped the app store charts in the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

4.9+

20 M

#1

950 K+

Still not convinced? See what other students are saying...

I love this app so much, I also use it daily. I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a D to an A with it :D

The app is very simple and well designed. So far I have always found everything I was looking for :D

I love this app ❤️ I actually use it every time I study.

Biological Theories of Crime: Lombroso, Twin Studies, and XYY Theory

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Sheldon's Criminal "Build" Theory

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Twin Studies and XYY Theory

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Evaluation of Biological Theories of Crime

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Lombroso's "Born Criminal" Theory

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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the #1 education app in five European countries

Knowunity has been named a featured story on Apple and has regularly topped the app store charts in the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

4.9+

20 M

#1

950 K+

Still not convinced? See what other students are saying...

I love this app so much, I also use it daily. I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a D to an A with it :D

The app is very simple and well designed. So far I have always found everything I was looking for :D

I love this app ❤️ I actually use it every time I study.