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Lombroso and Sheldon: Crime Theories for Kids

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Louise

10/02/2023

Criminology

AC2.1 Physiological Theories

Lombroso and Sheldon: Crime Theories for Kids

The biological theories of crime focus on physiological and genetic factors that may influence criminal behavior. This summary covers two key theories: Lombroso's theory of criminal anthropology and Sheldon's somatotype theory. Both theories attempt to link physical characteristics with criminal tendencies, though they have significant limitations and have been largely discredited in modern criminology.

Key points:

  • Lombroso's theory proposed that criminals could be identified by specific physical features
  • Sheldon's theory linked body types (somatotypes) to personality traits and criminal behavior
  • Both theories have been criticized for their lack of scientific rigor and potential for bias
  • These theories contributed to the development of more sophisticated biological approaches to studying crime
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10/02/2023

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Criminology

1,065

10 Feb 2023

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Lombroso and Sheldon: Crime Theories for Kids

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Louise

@louise_studies

The biological theories of crimefocus on physiological and genetic factors that may influence criminal behavior. This summary covers two key theories: Lombroso's theory of criminal anthropology and Sheldon's somatotype theory. Both theories attempt to link physical characteristics with criminal

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AC 2.1: Describe Physiological Theories
Lombroso Theory
Lombroso was one of the first to analyse crime as before explanations were religious

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Physiological Theories of Crime

Lombroso's Theory of Criminal Anthropology

Cesare Lombroso, considered one of the pioneers in the scientific study of criminality, developed the Lombroso theory which proposed that criminals could be identified by specific physical features. This theory was based on several assumptions:

  1. Physiological Assumption: Physical traits cause criminality
  2. Genetic Assumption: Criminality is inherited
  3. Brain Injury Assumption: Abnormalities in the brain lead to criminal behavior
  4. Biochemical Assumption: Hormones and chemicals influence criminal tendencies

Vocabulary: Atavistic - Lombroso used this term to describe criminals as less evolved individuals.

Lombroso identified features such as large jaws, high cheekbones, and flat noses as indicators of criminal tendencies. He even linked specific features to types of crimes, such as a beaked nose to murderers.

Example: According to the Lombroso theory, a person with a beaked nose might be more likely to commit murder.

Strengths of Lombroso's Theory:

  1. Pioneered the scientific study of crime
  2. Led to increased focus on examining criminal records
  3. Shifted focus towards reforming prisoners rather than purely punishing them

Weaknesses of Lombroso's Theory:

  1. Lacked a control group for comparison with the general population
  2. Relied solely on his own research without secondary sources
  3. Later research found no link between facial features and criminality

Highlight: The Lombroso theory strengths and weaknesses demonstrate both its historical importance and its scientific limitations.

Sheldon's Somatotype Theory

William Sheldon developed a theory linking body types (somatotypes) to personality traits and criminal behavior. He identified three main body types:

  1. Ectomorph: Thin, lean, low muscle and body fat
  2. Mesomorph: Muscular, strong limbs, broad shoulders
  3. Endomorph: Round, lack of muscle, wide hips

Definition: Somatotypes are categories of human body types proposed by William Sheldon.

Sheldon's research involved rating photographs of college students and juvenile offenders on a scale of 1 to 7 for how "mesomorphic" they appeared. He concluded that mesomorphs were most likely to commit crimes, while ectomorphs were least likely.

Example: According to Sheldon's somatotypes theory, a muscular person (mesomorph) might be more prone to criminal behavior than a thin person (ectomorph).

Strengths of Sheldon's Theory:

  1. Used a large sample size and included a control group
  2. Some later studies found links between physique and crime
  3. Glueck (1956) found a higher percentage of mesomorphs among delinquents compared to non-delinquents

Weaknesses of Sheldon's Theory:

  1. Body types change throughout a person's life
  2. Cannot explain criminal behavior in endomorphs and ectomorphs
  3. Cultural factors influencing body types were not considered

Highlight: The strengths and weaknesses of Sheldon's theory reveal both its contributions to criminology and its limitations in explaining the complex nature of criminal behavior.

Both the Lombroso theory and Sheldon's somatotypes theory are important in the history of biological theories of crime. While largely discredited today, they paved the way for more sophisticated research into the biological factors that may influence criminal behavior.

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