How are today's criminologists influenced by Cesare Lombroso ?
2007-03-26 10:41:42 · 5 answers · asked by Zywiec 2 in Social Science ➔ Sociology
Lombroso had some pretty interesting ideas with body measures, body types, and other physical characteristics for predicting criminal behavior. Some argue his and others use physiognomy to predict criminal behavior is archaic or completely wrong. To say it is not being used in the present time is not completely true. I appreciate the answers given before me because they are partially right...but racial/physical characteristic profiling is still being used to predict or deter criminal behavior. For example, a middle easterner in an airport now will be checked over more thoroughly than a mid-westerner white person. Both are capable of committing horrible crimes against humanity but one is looked at because of his/her physical characteristics.
To answer your question. The Lombrosian mindset has contributed to the study of environmental, mental and other issues tying to criminal behavior. If physical looks are not a true indicator of behavior then other things must be. So, this caused anthropologists as well as sociologists to look into other contributors to criminal behavior. What now seems absurd has helped the study of criminology go a long way.
2007-03-26 13:57:42 · answer #1 · answered by Patrick the Carpathian, CaFO 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, unfortunately. But not all criminologists!!!
I think Lombroso's theories helped, by proving that how the body looks definitely has nothing to do with antisocial personality!
But when you cross someone in the street, that is six feet tall, over 250 pounds, tattooed, wearing a leather vest... it's kind of hard to not tell yourself that man is a biker!!!! He may not be! Maybe he just likes looking the way he does. It doesn't necessarily mean he's an antisocial biker! But yes... we do still judge! So do some criminologists.
2007-03-26 13:18:13 · answer #2 · answered by Andrine 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everyone always remembers the negative side of Lombroso (the physiognomy), but it should be noted he pioneered the use of statistics in studying crime, and argued for more standardized and humane punishments.
2007-03-26 15:42:31 · answer #3 · answered by mcd 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cesare stereotyped to the ultimate degree, so you could say that todays criminal profiling would be the influence.
Other than that, it would be nothing more than FBI profiling based on activity and characteristics, NOT brain size and the position of the eyes, which were some of Cesare's guidlines.
2007-03-26 10:46:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am retired policeman.We do not agree with Cesare Lombroso.or Scheldom or Other Anthropologists.Also I'm a anthropologist too.Nobody can use their Theories
2007-03-26 10:48:05 · answer #5 · answered by Atila a 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋