Subjects
Careers
Maths
Biology
Chemistry
English Lang.
History
Infection and response
Energy transfers (a2 only)
Homeostasis and response
Responding to change (a2 only)
Cell biology
Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (a-level only)
Organisms exchange substances with their environment
Biological molecules
Organisation
Substance exchange
Bioenergetics
Genetic information & variation
Inheritance, variation and evolution
Ecology
Cells
Show all topics
2o democracy and nazism: germany, 1918-1945
World war two & the holocaust
2m wars and welfare: britain in transition, 1906-1957
1f industrialisation and the people: britain, c1783-1885
Medieval period: 1066 -1509
Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
2d religious conflict and the church in england, c1529-c1570
1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
The cold war
1c the tudors: england, 1485-1603
Inter-war germany
2j america: a nation divided, c1845-1877
2n revolution and dictatorship: russia, 1917-1953
2s the making of modern britain, 1951-2007
Britain: 1509 -1745
Show all topics
2
0
Erica
20/08/2025
Psychology
Biological explanations: A historical approach
235
•
20 Aug 2025
•
Biological explanations of criminal behavior: Lombroso's Atavistic Theory
Cesare Lombroso's... Show more
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
While Cesare Lombroso's atavistic theory of crime was groundbreaking for its time, it has been subject to substantial criticism and scrutiny in the years since its inception. Understanding the Lombroso theory strengths and weaknesses is crucial for appreciating its historical significance and limitations.
One of the most significant criticisms of Lombroso's work centers on its racial undertones. Many of the features Lombroso identified as indicative of criminal tendencies, such as curly hair and dark skin, are more commonly found among people of African descent. This aspect of the theory has been widely condemned for its racist implications and lack of scientific basis.
Highlight: The racial bias inherent in Lombroso's theory underscores the importance of critically examining scientific claims, especially those related to human behavior and physical characteristics.
Contradictory evidence has also challenged the validity of Lombroso's theory. A notable study by Goring in 1913 found no evidence to support the claim that offenders possess distinct physical characteristics that set them apart from the general population.
Quote: "Evidence contradicts link between atavism and crime" - This statement encapsulates the findings of subsequent research that failed to support Lombroso's hypotheses.
Methodological flaws in Lombroso's research have been identified, particularly the lack of a control group. This omission made it impossible to account for confounding variables that might have influenced the observed characteristics.
Example: Without a control group of non-criminals for comparison, Lombroso could not determine whether the features he observed were truly unique to offenders or simply common in the general population.
The nature versus nurture debate also challenges Lombroso's theory. While the atavistic form suggests a purely biological cause for criminal behavior, critics argue that even if some criminals do exhibit certain physical features, this does not necessarily imply a causal relationship. Environmental factors such as poverty or poor diet could potentially influence the development of these characteristics.
Vocabulary: The nature vs. nurture debate refers to the long-standing discussion in psychology and other fields about the extent to which human behavior is determined by genetic (nature) versus environmental (nurture) factors.
Despite its flaws, Lombroso's work remains significant in the history of criminology. It sparked interest in the scientific study of criminal behavior and laid the groundwork for future research into biological explanations of crime.
Highlight: While modern criminology has largely moved away from Lombroso's specific claims, the field continues to explore the complex interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors in criminal behavior.
Cesare Lombroso, often referred to as the "father of modern criminality," developed the atavistic theory of crime in the late 19th century. This biological explanation of criminal behavior proposed that criminals were essentially evolutionary throwbacks, possessing primitive physical traits that set them apart from law-abiding citizens.
Definition: The atavistic form refers to the physical characteristics Lombroso believed were indicative of criminal tendencies, primarily focused on features of the head and face.
Lombroso's theory was rooted in the belief that offenders lacked evolutionary development, resulting in a savage and untamed nature that made them ill-suited to the demands of civilized society. This inability to adjust, according to Lombroso, led individuals to turn to crime.
Highlight: Lombroso proposed that offending behavior is innate, suggesting that criminals are not morally responsible for their actions due to their biological predisposition.
The Lombroso theory features included a range of physical characteristics that he believed were indicative of criminal tendencies:
Example: Lombroso categorized criminals into types based on specific physical traits. For instance, he associated murderers with bloodshot eyes and curly hair, while sexual deviants were thought to have glinting eyes and projecting ears.
Lombroso's research methodology involved examining the facial and cranial features of hundreds of Italian convicts, both living and dead. Based on these observations, he concluded that there was indeed an atavistic form and that certain physical features were reliable indicators of criminality.
Vocabulary: Atavism refers to the reappearance of a characteristic in an organism after several generations of absence, typically due to the chance recombination of genes.
Despite its controversial nature, Lombroso's work made a significant contribution to the field of criminology, sparking interest in the scientific study of criminal behavior and its potential biological underpinnings.
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.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
App Store
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
Biological explanations of criminal behavior: Lombroso's Atavistic Theory
Cesare Lombroso's atavistic theory proposed that criminals were biologically distinct from non-criminals, possessing primitive physical traits. This controversial 19th-century approach laid the foundation for modern criminology, despite its flaws.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
While Cesare Lombroso's atavistic theory of crime was groundbreaking for its time, it has been subject to substantial criticism and scrutiny in the years since its inception. Understanding the Lombroso theory strengths and weaknesses is crucial for appreciating its historical significance and limitations.
One of the most significant criticisms of Lombroso's work centers on its racial undertones. Many of the features Lombroso identified as indicative of criminal tendencies, such as curly hair and dark skin, are more commonly found among people of African descent. This aspect of the theory has been widely condemned for its racist implications and lack of scientific basis.
Highlight: The racial bias inherent in Lombroso's theory underscores the importance of critically examining scientific claims, especially those related to human behavior and physical characteristics.
Contradictory evidence has also challenged the validity of Lombroso's theory. A notable study by Goring in 1913 found no evidence to support the claim that offenders possess distinct physical characteristics that set them apart from the general population.
Quote: "Evidence contradicts link between atavism and crime" - This statement encapsulates the findings of subsequent research that failed to support Lombroso's hypotheses.
Methodological flaws in Lombroso's research have been identified, particularly the lack of a control group. This omission made it impossible to account for confounding variables that might have influenced the observed characteristics.
Example: Without a control group of non-criminals for comparison, Lombroso could not determine whether the features he observed were truly unique to offenders or simply common in the general population.
The nature versus nurture debate also challenges Lombroso's theory. While the atavistic form suggests a purely biological cause for criminal behavior, critics argue that even if some criminals do exhibit certain physical features, this does not necessarily imply a causal relationship. Environmental factors such as poverty or poor diet could potentially influence the development of these characteristics.
Vocabulary: The nature vs. nurture debate refers to the long-standing discussion in psychology and other fields about the extent to which human behavior is determined by genetic (nature) versus environmental (nurture) factors.
Despite its flaws, Lombroso's work remains significant in the history of criminology. It sparked interest in the scientific study of criminal behavior and laid the groundwork for future research into biological explanations of crime.
Highlight: While modern criminology has largely moved away from Lombroso's specific claims, the field continues to explore the complex interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors in criminal behavior.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Cesare Lombroso, often referred to as the "father of modern criminality," developed the atavistic theory of crime in the late 19th century. This biological explanation of criminal behavior proposed that criminals were essentially evolutionary throwbacks, possessing primitive physical traits that set them apart from law-abiding citizens.
Definition: The atavistic form refers to the physical characteristics Lombroso believed were indicative of criminal tendencies, primarily focused on features of the head and face.
Lombroso's theory was rooted in the belief that offenders lacked evolutionary development, resulting in a savage and untamed nature that made them ill-suited to the demands of civilized society. This inability to adjust, according to Lombroso, led individuals to turn to crime.
Highlight: Lombroso proposed that offending behavior is innate, suggesting that criminals are not morally responsible for their actions due to their biological predisposition.
The Lombroso theory features included a range of physical characteristics that he believed were indicative of criminal tendencies:
Example: Lombroso categorized criminals into types based on specific physical traits. For instance, he associated murderers with bloodshot eyes and curly hair, while sexual deviants were thought to have glinting eyes and projecting ears.
Lombroso's research methodology involved examining the facial and cranial features of hundreds of Italian convicts, both living and dead. Based on these observations, he concluded that there was indeed an atavistic form and that certain physical features were reliable indicators of criminality.
Vocabulary: Atavism refers to the reappearance of a characteristic in an organism after several generations of absence, typically due to the chance recombination of genes.
Despite its controversial nature, Lombroso's work made a significant contribution to the field of criminology, sparking interest in the scientific study of criminal behavior and its potential biological underpinnings.
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.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
App Store
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
