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Summary KRM 320(A) Traditional Criminologists: Study unit 8
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A complete summary of essays 17-20 (unit 8) on traditional criminologists (Lombroso & Ferrero; W.I. Thomas; Otto Pollak).
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KRM 320(A) UNIT 8: TRADITIONAL CRIMINOLOGISTSEssays 17-20: Traditional Criminologists
Traditional criminologists who were interested to develop theoretical insights into women offenders and
formulated theories about women offenders include:
Lombroso & Ferrero: published “La Donna Delinquente” in 1985
W.I. Thomas: published 2 books “Sex and Society” in 1907 and “Unadjusted Girl” in 1923
Otto Pollak: published “The Criminality of Women” in 1950
Interesting: although they published books over 55years, specific central themes characterise their work
They define women in terms of their domestic & sexual roles
Women controlled by their biological, sexual & physiological characteristics
Women: emotional, defiant, unreliable, childish and irrational
Despite these shortcomings = women still uniquely equipped for motherhood
Important to be aware of central themes of these criminologists and realise they said much of nature of
women in general = but little of women offenders specifically
Contributions of 3 traditional authors discussed below
Important to take note of Cesare Lombroso’s background before collaboration with Ferrero on women
offenders is discussed
Lombroso founder of Positivistic school of Criminology
Contrast to Classical school: saw root causes of crime in factors outside control of offender
Classical school: assumed criminal acts product of free choice & rational calculation
Although his work today widely critiqued = still considered father of scientific criminology
Approach was BIOLOGICAL-ANTHROPOLOGICAL
Believed criminality inherited and “born-criminals” could be identified by physical defects/signs of
degeneration/stigmata reminiscent of apes & early man (ex. sloping forehead, ears unusual size,
excessive arm length)
He was an avid supporter of social Darwinism (ideas about evolution)
In his opinion criminals were “savages”/ “atavistic” = primitive throwbacks on evolutionary ladder if
the species
His son-in-law Ferrero was co-author for “La Donna Delinquente” published in 1895
Notable about Lombroso’s career: later works included social & economic factors as possible causes of
criminality
However, in “La Donna Delinquente” (considered as later publication) he curiously reverts back to
principles and methods of earlier career
Meaning that body measurements made, photographs scrutinised & criminal careers of offending
women were studied
Lombroso & Ferrero: following conclusions based on their research
Fewer female “born criminals”
Prostitutes exhibited more degenerations signs than other female criminals
Female criminals almost “physically normal” compared to male criminals
Prostitution most common type of female crime
Women commit fewer crimes than men = haven’t developed to same extent as males
In general = women are grown-up children with limited morality
Women more likely opportunistic/occasional criminals
Female criminals have peculiar & unnatural appearance
Exhibit various stigmata (degeneration signs) being muscular and masculine
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