Cards (7)

  • Somatotypes theory (1940)
    • 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.