Sheldon

• Theory summary: argued body types is related to criminality. Mesomorphs are more likely to commit crime.
• Strength: other studies have replicated Sheldons findings
• Strength: It was found that the most serious delinquents had the most mesomorphs shape.
• Limitation: Glueck + Glueck found that crime was best explained by a combination of factor and not just through body shape
• Limitation: Criminals could develop a mesomorphic physique as a result of needing to be tough
• Limitation: Social class may be the cause of crime and measurements eg. the majority of criminals are working class and to be working class you need a strong physique due to manual labour
• Limitation: Convicted offenders are mainly working class men which reaffirms the idea that the majority of criminals have a mesomorphic shape
• Limitation: Labelling could lay a part. Labelled as a ‘tough guy’ could lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy
• Limitation: Sheldon doesn't take into account ecto + endomorphs that do commit crime