physiological theories

• Physiological Theories - Lombroso


  • Criminals looked a certain way or shared common characteristics
  • If they shared more than 5 of these traits then he suggested the individuals were born criminal
  • Criminals had 'atavistic' features that were throwbacks of an earlier stage of human development
  • Beaked nose, wrinkled skin, tattoos, unemployment, use of slang language and the ability to not feel pain
• Somatotypes


  Body types linked to criminal behaviour
• Endomorphs


  • Rounded, soft and tending to fat, lacking muscle or tone, with wide hips
  • Personality is sociable, relaxed, comfortable and outgoing
• Ectomorphs


  • Thin and fragile, lacking both fat and muscle
  • Flat chested, with narrow hips and shoulders, a thin face and high forehead
  • Personality is self-conscious, fragile, inward looking, emotionally restrained and thoughtful
• Mesomorphs


  • Muscular and hard bodied, with very little fat and strong limbs, broad shoulders and a narrow waist
  • Personality is adventurous, sensation-seeking, assertive and domineering, and they enjoy physical activity
• Sheldon argued that mesomorphs are the somatotype most likely to engage in crime