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Saffron
31/08/2025
Criminology
Unit 2, A.C 2.1
1,411
•
31 Aug 2025
•
Understanding Lombroso and Sheldon's Theories of Crime - Fun Facts and Cool Info for Kids!
1 / 3
Sheldon's Somatotypes Theory
William Sheldon proposed a theory linking body types (somatotypes) to personality traits and criminal behavior. After studying 4,000 men, Sheldon identified three main somatotypes:
- Ectomorphic: Lean, poorly muscled individuals with introverted and sensitive personalities.
- Endomorphic: Plump, fat individuals with sociable and relaxed personalities.
- Mesomorphic: Muscular individuals with assertive and dominant personalities.
Definition: Somatotype - A body type classification system based on the relative contribution of three extreme body types.
Sheldon conducted a correlation study of 200 boys and found that mesomorphic boys were disproportionately prone to delinquency. He concluded that a tough body is necessary for survival on the streets and that mesomorphs are more likely to engage in risk-taking behavior.
Highlight: The somatotype theory in criminology suggests that physical build may influence criminal tendencies, with mesomorphic individuals being more prone to delinquent behavior.
Genetic Theories of Criminality
Genetic theories explore the potential role of chromosomal abnormalities and heritability in criminal behavior.
XYY Syndrome (Jacobs' Study)
Patricia Jacobs proposed that criminality could be linked to genetic makeup, specifically chromosomal abnormalities. The XYY syndrome, also known as Jacobs syndrome, was believed to be associated with increased aggression and potential violence.
Vocabulary: XYY syndrome - A rare chromosomal disorder in males characterized by an extra Y chromosome.
Jacobs' study found that 15 in 1,000 men in prison had XYY syndrome, compared to 1 in 1,000 in the general population. This suggested a potential genetic explanation for criminal behavior.
Example: John Wayne Gacy, responsible for sexually assaulting and killing 33 men in the USA, is said to have had XYY syndrome.
Twin Studies
Christiansen (1977) conducted twin studies to investigate the heritability of criminal behavior. The study compared concordance rates between monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins.
Definition: Concordance rate - The likelihood that a pair of twins will share a specific trait or characteristic.
Results showed higher concordance rates for criminal behavior in MZ twins compared to DZ twins, suggesting a genetic component to criminality.
Adoption Studies
Adoption studies aimed to separate genetic and environmental influences on criminal behavior by comparing adopted children with their biological and adoptive parents.
Hutchings and Mednick (1975) studied 14,000 adopted children and found a high proportion of boys with criminal convictions had biological parents with criminal convictions, suggesting a genetic link to aggression.
Highlight: Mednick (1994) found no relationship between adoptive parents' criminal convictions and their adopted children's convictions, but did find a significant correlation between biological parents' convictions and their offspring's criminal behavior.
These studies provide evidence for both genetic and environmental influences on criminal behavior, highlighting the complex interplay between nature and nurture in shaping criminal tendencies.
Lombroso's Theory of Criminal Anthropology
Cesare Lombroso developed a theory of criminal anthropology based on Charles Darwin's work. The Lombroso theory proposed that criminals were a separate species with distinct physical features indicating atavism or primitive traits.
Lombroso conducted a study examining the facial and cranial features of over 4,000 criminals. He concluded that 40% of criminal acts could be attributed to atavistic characteristics. The Lombroso theory features included physical traits like a flattened nose, large jaw, tattoos, large ears, and a sloped forehead.
Example: According to Lombroso, a murderer might have curly hair and bloodshot eyes, while a sex offender could have thick lips and protruding ears.
Highlight: A recent Chinese study used AI software to identify criminals based on physical features, with only a 6% error rate.
Lombroso also described other aspects of criminality, such as the use of criminal slang and insensitivity to pain. He believed that female criminals, particularly prostitutes, had distinct physical characteristics as well.
Vocabulary: Atavism - The reappearance of primitive traits in modern organisms.
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Lombroso and Sheldon's Theories of Crime - Fun Facts and Cool Info for Kids!
The Lombroso theory and other physiological and genetic theories of crime provide insights into potential biological factors influencing criminal behavior. These theories examine physical characteristics, body types, and genetic makeup as possible predictors or contributors to criminal tendencies.
• Lombroso... Show more
Sheldon's Somatotypes Theory
William Sheldon proposed a theory linking body types (somatotypes) to personality traits and criminal behavior. After studying 4,000 men, Sheldon identified three main somatotypes:
- Ectomorphic: Lean, poorly muscled individuals with introverted and sensitive personalities.
- Endomorphic: Plump, fat individuals with sociable and relaxed personalities.
- Mesomorphic: Muscular individuals with assertive and dominant personalities.
Definition: Somatotype - A body type classification system based on the relative contribution of three extreme body types.
Sheldon conducted a correlation study of 200 boys and found that mesomorphic boys were disproportionately prone to delinquency. He concluded that a tough body is necessary for survival on the streets and that mesomorphs are more likely to engage in risk-taking behavior.
Highlight: The somatotype theory in criminology suggests that physical build may influence criminal tendencies, with mesomorphic individuals being more prone to delinquent behavior.
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
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Genetic Theories of Criminality
Genetic theories explore the potential role of chromosomal abnormalities and heritability in criminal behavior.
XYY Syndrome (Jacobs' Study)
Patricia Jacobs proposed that criminality could be linked to genetic makeup, specifically chromosomal abnormalities. The XYY syndrome, also known as Jacobs syndrome, was believed to be associated with increased aggression and potential violence.
Vocabulary: XYY syndrome - A rare chromosomal disorder in males characterized by an extra Y chromosome.
Jacobs' study found that 15 in 1,000 men in prison had XYY syndrome, compared to 1 in 1,000 in the general population. This suggested a potential genetic explanation for criminal behavior.
Example: John Wayne Gacy, responsible for sexually assaulting and killing 33 men in the USA, is said to have had XYY syndrome.
Twin Studies
Christiansen (1977) conducted twin studies to investigate the heritability of criminal behavior. The study compared concordance rates between monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins.
Definition: Concordance rate - The likelihood that a pair of twins will share a specific trait or characteristic.
Results showed higher concordance rates for criminal behavior in MZ twins compared to DZ twins, suggesting a genetic component to criminality.
Adoption Studies
Adoption studies aimed to separate genetic and environmental influences on criminal behavior by comparing adopted children with their biological and adoptive parents.
Hutchings and Mednick (1975) studied 14,000 adopted children and found a high proportion of boys with criminal convictions had biological parents with criminal convictions, suggesting a genetic link to aggression.
Highlight: Mednick (1994) found no relationship between adoptive parents' criminal convictions and their adopted children's convictions, but did find a significant correlation between biological parents' convictions and their offspring's criminal behavior.
These studies provide evidence for both genetic and environmental influences on criminal behavior, highlighting the complex interplay between nature and nurture in shaping criminal tendencies.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Lombroso's Theory of Criminal Anthropology
Cesare Lombroso developed a theory of criminal anthropology based on Charles Darwin's work. The Lombroso theory proposed that criminals were a separate species with distinct physical features indicating atavism or primitive traits.
Lombroso conducted a study examining the facial and cranial features of over 4,000 criminals. He concluded that 40% of criminal acts could be attributed to atavistic characteristics. The Lombroso theory features included physical traits like a flattened nose, large jaw, tattoos, large ears, and a sloped forehead.
Example: According to Lombroso, a murderer might have curly hair and bloodshot eyes, while a sex offender could have thick lips and protruding ears.
Highlight: A recent Chinese study used AI software to identify criminals based on physical features, with only a 6% error rate.
Lombroso also described other aspects of criminality, such as the use of criminal slang and insensitivity to pain. He believed that female criminals, particularly prostitutes, had distinct physical characteristics as well.
Vocabulary: Atavism - The reappearance of primitive traits in modern organisms.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
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App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user