Outline and evaluate the Atavistic form as an explanation of offending behaviour (8)
The atavistic form is a historical approach proposed by Lombroso, who argued criminals were
genetic throwbacks lacking evolutionary development. Offenders were characterised as a
primitive subspecies that couldn’t adapt to civilised society and had a natural tendency for
offending behaviour. Lombroso claimed these biological differences in criminals manifested in
their appearance through features like a strong, prominent jaw, high cheekbones and an
asymmetrical face. This was determined through a study of both living and dead criminals,
which concluded that 40% of criminal acts were committed by offenders with atavistic features.
One strength of this theory is its real-world application. Although Lombroso’s work has been
discredited now, it had a major impact on methods of studying crime and how we approach
searching for criminals. Lombroso focused on finding similarities between criminals to help
identify them easier and this is a method we now use through multiple forms of offender
profiling, such as top-down profiling. This ensures that law enforcement saves time in their
search by narrowing down the suspect list. Additionally, Lombroso shifted the focus from
moralistic discourse to a more scientific position. Therefore, the atavistic form has had lasting
impressions on criminology and has aided its progression.
On the other hand, this theory is very socially sensitive as it promotes racist judgements and
stereotypes. The atavistic features of murderers proposed by Lombroso included dark skin and
curly hair, which very much resemble the features of those of African descent. This means
Lombroso’s ideas isolate and accuse a particular group of people, encouraging racial profiling
and suggesting that these people are more likely to be criminals. He was clearly culturally
biassed and conformed to 19th century eugenic attitudes, making his theory highly subjective
and racist. This leads us to discredit the theory, as it lacks validity and is influenced by his own
prejudices.
The atavistic form is a historical approach proposed by Lombroso, who argued criminals were
genetic throwbacks lacking evolutionary development. Offenders were characterised as a
primitive subspecies that couldn’t adapt to civilised society and had a natural tendency for
offending behaviour. Lombroso claimed these biological differences in criminals manifested in
their appearance through features like a strong, prominent jaw, high cheekbones and an
asymmetrical face. This was determined through a study of both living and dead criminals,
which concluded that 40% of criminal acts were committed by offenders with atavistic features.
One strength of this theory is its real-world application. Although Lombroso’s work has been
discredited now, it had a major impact on methods of studying crime and how we approach
searching for criminals. Lombroso focused on finding similarities between criminals to help
identify them easier and this is a method we now use through multiple forms of offender
profiling, such as top-down profiling. This ensures that law enforcement saves time in their
search by narrowing down the suspect list. Additionally, Lombroso shifted the focus from
moralistic discourse to a more scientific position. Therefore, the atavistic form has had lasting
impressions on criminology and has aided its progression.
On the other hand, this theory is very socially sensitive as it promotes racist judgements and
stereotypes. The atavistic features of murderers proposed by Lombroso included dark skin and
curly hair, which very much resemble the features of those of African descent. This means
Lombroso’s ideas isolate and accuse a particular group of people, encouraging racial profiling
and suggesting that these people are more likely to be criminals. He was clearly culturally
biassed and conformed to 19th century eugenic attitudes, making his theory highly subjective
and racist. This leads us to discredit the theory, as it lacks validity and is influenced by his own
prejudices.
