Summary
Summary Criminology Unit 2 - biological approaches evaluation
- Module
- Criminology
- Institution
- Criminology
WJEC Criminology Unit 2 - biological approaches evaluation Strengths and weaknesses of: -Lombroso -Sheldon -Genetic theories
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Physiological theories evaluation Weakness – counter- Weaknevidence method
Strength – supporting 1913 – Goring compared 3000
evidence Lombroso was unable to determ
criminals and 3000 non-
Lombroso did a study with 3839 living of certain features – some may b
criminals
criminals, and the skulls of 383 dead by other factors (e.g. poverty or
He said there was no evidence
criminals (all Italian) rather than from delayed evoluti
that offenders have specific
He found that 40% had atavistic Therefore, we cannot say certain
characteristics
characteristics the definite cause of criminality
HOWEVER, he suggested
This supports his theory of the He also did not compare the crim
offenders have low intelligence
relationship between atavistic examined to a non-criminal cont
(which supports Lombroso’s
features and criminality Therefore, we cannot conclude t
theory that criminals are a sub-
features are distinctive
species)
He also used all Italians – do the
Weakness –
alternatives
Evaluating ‘criminal features' or atavistic ch
run in other countries?
Does not consider the role Lombroso He mainly assessed males – doe
of environments and Strength – practical same to females?
upbringing application
Evidence shows that Lombroso was known as the ‘father
behaviours can form from of modern criminology’ Weakness – ethica
seeing those around us He shifted emphasis away from implications
Just looking at biology / morals to a more scientific Several critics have called out ‘scientific racism
genetics does not provide explanation (instead of calling Lombroso’s work. Many atavistic features are
a full explanation criminals ‘weak-minded’, look found among people of African descent. He a
towards their genetics) described the atavistic form as ‘uncivilised,
Lombroso’s theory was the first primitive, savage’ – this adds a stereotype
signs of criminal profiling
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