Saw criminals as physically different from the rest of the population
Body measurements connect to your personality
Certain somatotypes (body types) are linked to criminal behaviour
Ectomorph:
Thin, fragile, lacking muscle
Self-conscious, fragile, emotionally restrained and thoughtful
Endomorph:
Rounded, soft
Sociable, relaxed, comfortable and outgoing
Lack muscle or tone
Mesomorph:
Muscular, strong, broad shoulders
Adventurous, assertive, sensation-seeking
The mesomorph is the most likely to commit crime as their physique makes it easier and their personality with their assertiveness and sensation-seeking makes it easier for them to commit crime and more likely to seek it out.
The Hayden Goodwill Institute measured students and found that the mesomorphic students are more prone to delinquency.
Sheldon + Glueck (1950’s)
800 delinquents were compared to non delinquents and it was found that the delinquents were more likely to be mesomorphic.