Understanding Lombroso and Sheldon's Theories of Crime - Fun Facts and Cool Info for Kids!

Open

Saffron

10/17/2022

Criminology

Unit 2, A.C 2.1

Subjects

Criminology

Social Justice

Understanding Lombroso and Sheldon's Theories of Crime - Fun Facts and Cool Info for Kids!

Name: Knowunity
Brand: Knowunity

The Lombroso theory and other physiological and genetic theories of crime provide insights into potential biological factors influencing criminal behavior. These theories examine physical characteristics, body types, and genetic makeup as possible predictors or contributors to criminal tendencies.

• Lombroso theory proposed that criminals have distinct physical features indicating atavism
• Sheldon's somatotypes theory linked body types to personality and criminal predisposition
• Genetic theories explored chromosomal abnormalities and heritability of criminal behavior
• Twin and adoption studies provided evidence for both genetic and environmental influences

...

10/17/2022

1408

Physiological theories:
Lombroso:
● Based research on Charle Darwin's 'Origin Of The Species'
● Assumed criminals were a
different/separate

View

Sheldon's Somatotypes Theory

William Sheldon proposed a theory linking body types $somatotypes$ to personality traits and criminal behavior. After studying 4,000 men, Sheldon identified three main somatotypes:

Ectomorphic: Lean, poorly muscled individuals with introverted and sensitive personalities.
Endomorphic: Plump, fat individuals with sociable and relaxed personalities.
Mesomorphic: Muscular individuals with assertive and dominant personalities.

Definition: Somatotype - A body type classification system based on the relative contribution of three extreme body types.

Sheldon conducted a correlation study of 200 boys and found that mesomorphic boys were disproportionately prone to delinquency. He concluded that a tough body is necessary for survival on the streets and that mesomorphs are more likely to engage in risk-taking behavior.

Highlight: The somatotype theory in criminology suggests that physical build may influence criminal tendencies, with mesomorphic individuals being more prone to delinquent behavior.

View

Genetic Theories of Criminality

Genetic theories explore the potential role of chromosomal abnormalities and heritability in criminal behavior.

XYY Syndrome (Jacobs' Study)

Patricia Jacobs proposed that criminality could be linked to genetic makeup, specifically chromosomal abnormalities. The XYY syndrome, also known as Jacobs syndrome, was believed to be associated with increased aggression and potential violence.

Vocabulary: XYY syndrome - A rare chromosomal disorder in males characterized by an extra Y chromosome.

Jacobs' study found that 15 in 1,000 men in prison had XYY syndrome, compared to 1 in 1,000 in the general population. This suggested a potential genetic explanation for criminal behavior.

Example: John Wayne Gacy, responsible for sexually assaulting and killing 33 men in the USA, is said to have had XYY syndrome.

Twin Studies

Christiansen $1977$ conducted twin studies to investigate the heritability of criminal behavior. The study compared concordance rates between monozygotic $MZ$ and dizygotic $DZ$ twins.

Definition: Concordance rate - The likelihood that a pair of twins will share a specific trait or characteristic.

Results showed higher concordance rates for criminal behavior in MZ twins compared to DZ twins, suggesting a genetic component to criminality.

Adoption Studies

Adoption studies aimed to separate genetic and environmental influences on criminal behavior by comparing adopted children with their biological and adoptive parents.

Hutchings and Mednick $1975$ studied 14,000 adopted children and found a high proportion of boys with criminal convictions had biological parents with criminal convictions, suggesting a genetic link to aggression.

Highlight: Mednick $1994$ found no relationship between adoptive parents' criminal convictions and their adopted children's convictions, but did find a significant correlation between biological parents' convictions and their offspring's criminal behavior.

These studies provide evidence for both genetic and environmental influences on criminal behavior, highlighting the complex interplay between nature and nurture in shaping criminal tendencies.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

Knowunity was a featured story by Apple and has consistently topped the app store charts within the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland and United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

Download in

Google Play

Download in

App Store

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

4.9+

Average App Rating

21 M

Students use Knowunity

#1

In Education App Charts in 17 Countries

950 K+

Students uploaded study notes

Still not sure? Look at what your fellow peers are saying...

iOS User

I love this app so much [...] I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a C to an A with it :D

Stefan S, iOS User

The application is very simple and well designed. So far I have found what I was looking for :D

SuSSan, iOS User

Love this App ❤️, I use it basically all the time whenever I'm studying

Subjects

Criminology

Social Justice

Criminology

•

1,408

•

Oct 17, 2022

•

3 pages

Understanding Lombroso and Sheldon's Theories of Crime - Fun Facts and Cool Info for Kids!

Saffron

@saffron

• Lombroso... Show more

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Sheldon's Somatotypes Theory

William Sheldon proposed a theory linking body types $somatotypes$ to personality traits and criminal behavior. After studying 4,000 men, Sheldon identified three main somatotypes:

Ectomorphic: Lean, poorly muscled individuals with introverted and sensitive personalities.

Endomorphic: Plump, fat individuals with sociable and relaxed personalities.

Mesomorphic: Muscular individuals with assertive and dominant personalities.

Definition: Somatotype - A body type classification system based on the relative contribution of three extreme body types.

Sheldon conducted a correlation study of 200 boys and found that mesomorphic boys were disproportionately prone to delinquency. He concluded that a tough body is necessary for survival on the streets and that mesomorphs are more likely to engage in risk-taking behavior.

Highlight: The somatotype theory in criminology suggests that physical build may influence criminal tendencies, with mesomorphic individuals being more prone to delinquent behavior.

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Genetic Theories of Criminality

Genetic theories explore the potential role of chromosomal abnormalities and heritability in criminal behavior.

XYY Syndrome (Jacobs' Study)

Patricia Jacobs proposed that criminality could be linked to genetic makeup, specifically chromosomal abnormalities. The XYY syndrome, also known as Jacobs syndrome, was believed to be associated with increased aggression and potential violence.

Vocabulary: XYY syndrome - A rare chromosomal disorder in males characterized by an extra Y chromosome.

Jacobs' study found that 15 in 1,000 men in prison had XYY syndrome, compared to 1 in 1,000 in the general population. This suggested a potential genetic explanation for criminal behavior.

Example: John Wayne Gacy, responsible for sexually assaulting and killing 33 men in the USA, is said to have had XYY syndrome.

Twin Studies

Christiansen $1977$ conducted twin studies to investigate the heritability of criminal behavior. The study compared concordance rates between monozygotic $MZ$ and dizygotic $DZ$ twins.

Definition: Concordance rate - The likelihood that a pair of twins will share a specific trait or characteristic.

Results showed higher concordance rates for criminal behavior in MZ twins compared to DZ twins, suggesting a genetic component to criminality.

Adoption Studies

Adoption studies aimed to separate genetic and environmental influences on criminal behavior by comparing adopted children with their biological and adoptive parents.

Hutchings and Mednick $1975$ studied 14,000 adopted children and found a high proportion of boys with criminal convictions had biological parents with criminal convictions, suggesting a genetic link to aggression.

Highlight: Mednick $1994$ found no relationship between adoptive parents' criminal convictions and their adopted children's convictions, but did find a significant correlation between biological parents' convictions and their offspring's criminal behavior.

These studies provide evidence for both genetic and environmental influences on criminal behavior, highlighting the complex interplay between nature and nurture in shaping criminal tendencies.

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Lombroso's Theory of Criminal Anthropology

Cesare Lombroso developed a theory of criminal anthropology based on Charles Darwin's work. The Lombroso theory proposed that criminals were a separate species with distinct physical features indicating atavism or primitive traits.

Lombroso conducted a study examining the facial and cranial features of over 4,000 criminals. He concluded that 40% of criminal acts could be attributed to atavistic characteristics. The Lombroso theory features included physical traits like a flattened nose, large jaw, tattoos, large ears, and a sloped forehead.

Example: According to Lombroso, a murderer might have curly hair and bloodshot eyes, while a sex offender could have thick lips and protruding ears.

Highlight: A recent Chinese study used AI software to identify criminals based on physical features, with only a 6% error rate.

Lombroso also described other aspects of criminality, such as the use of criminal slang and insensitivity to pain. He believed that female criminals, particularly prostitutes, had distinct physical characteristics as well.

Vocabulary: Atavism - The reappearance of primitive traits in modern organisms.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

Stefan S

iOS user

Samantha Klich

Android user

Anna

iOS user

Thomas R

iOS user

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

Elisha

iOS user

Paul T

iOS user

Understanding Lombroso and Sheldon's Theories of Crime - Fun Facts and Cool Info for Kids!

Sheldon's Somatotypes Theory

Genetic Theories of Criminality

XYY Syndrome (Jacobs' Study)

Twin Studies

Adoption Studies

Similar Content

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

Knowunity was a featured story by Apple and has consistently topped the app store charts within the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland and United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

4.9+

21 M

#1

950 K+

Still not sure? Look at what your fellow peers are saying...

I love this app so much [...] I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a C to an A with it :D

The application is very simple and well designed. So far I have found what I was looking for :D

Love this App ❤️, I use it basically all the time whenever I'm studying

Understanding Lombroso and Sheldon's Theories of Crime - Fun Facts and Cool Info for Kids!

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Sheldon's Somatotypes Theory

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Genetic Theories of Criminality

XYY Syndrome (Jacobs' Study)

Twin Studies

Adoption Studies

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Lombroso's Theory of Criminal Anthropology

Similar Content

Unit 1, AC 1.1

The Sweeny Media

unit 2 - ac1.1 compare criminal behaviour and deviance

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

4.8/5