Biological Theories of Crime Criminology A Level WJEC

• Who is the father of modern criminology?

  Cesare Lombroso.
• What did Lombroso’s theory suggest?

  Lombroso’s theory suggested that a “born criminal” could be identified by the physical shape of the head and face. He argued that criminality is inherited. He believed criminals have atavistic/ primitive features and are a separate species.
• Give 4 examples of atavistic features.

  Flattened or upturned nose, low sloping forehead, long arms and large ears.
• Describe Lombroso’s research and findings.

  Lombroso examined the facial features of 400 dead and 4000 living criminals. He found that 40% had atavistic features. He discovered murderers had bloodshot eyes and curly hair and criminals in general had an insensitivity to pain, meaning they like tattoos.
• Give 2 strengths of Lombroso’s theory.

  One strength is that he used objective methods. For example, he used standardised procedures to measure skulls and facial features. This means that his results are bias free.

  
  

  Another strength is that his research led to the introduction of offender profiling. This is where we pay attention to the characteristics of criminals and other people to gain insight on who is most likely to commit crime. This means that we can put interventions in place to prevent further crime.
• Give 2 weaknesses of Lombroso’s theory.

  One weakness is that facial features and criminality cannot be linked. This is because atavistic features aren’t evident in all criminals. Therefore, Lombroso’s theory is not reliable or valid.

  
  

  Another weakness is that it‘s deterministic. This is because Lombroso suggests that if you have any atavistic features you are more likely to commit crime. Therefore creating the sense we cannot escape our presumed destiny.
• What did Sheldon’s theory suggest?

  Sheldon’s theory suggested that criminal behaviour is linked to your body type.
• What is an endomorph?

  Someone who is fat and soft and tends to be sociable and relaxed.
• What is an ectomorph?

  Someone who is thin and fragile and tends to be introverted and restrained.
• What is a mesomorph?

  Someone who is muscular and hard and tends to be aggressive and adventurous.
• Describe Sheldon’s research and findings.

  Sheldon used a correlation study and studied 400 male university students and 200 young males who had links to antisocial behaviour. He discovered 3 body types/ somatotypes. He discovered mesomorph’s are more likely to commit violent acts and crime.
• Give 2 strengths of Sheldon’s theory.

  One strength is that it has research support. Glueck and Glueck found that 60% of offenders within their study were mesomorphs. Adding onto this, Putwain and Sammons found a link between body build and criminality.

  
  

  Another strength is that he had a control group. This means that Sheldon’s results are easy to compare. Therefore, we are able to conclude what behaviours relate to mesomorphs and what behaviours don’t.
• Give 2 weaknesses of Sheldon’s theory.


  One weakness is labelling. This is because Sheldon labels mesomorphs as troublemakers and argues they are more likely to commit crime. This may lead to a self fulfilling prophecy causing them to adopt the label and turn to crime.

  
  

  Another weakness is that it’s innacurate. This is because Sheldon argues mesomorphs are more likely to commit crime. However, he doesn’t consider some jobs are more physical than others, causing ecto and endomorphs to become mesomorphs overtime. Therefore, muscularity cannot explain crime.