This document discusses early biological theories of crime and deviance proposed by several theorists. It describes Franz Gall and Johann Spurzheim's phrenology theory that skull shape could predict criminality. It also outlines Cesare Lombroso's theories of atavism, that some are born criminals due to genetic predisposition, while others become criminaloids due to environment. Lombroso also proposed a masculinity hypothesis that over time male and female crimes would become similar. The document concludes by mentioning Charles Goring's study that disputed Lombroso's claims.

1. Biological Theory
Devona Reasnover
Theories of Crime and
Deviance
CJUS 4411

2. Early
Positivism

3. Franz Joseph Gall (1810s)

4. Criminal Anthropology
 The
scientific study of the relationship
between human physical characteristics and
criminality.
–
Phrenology: The study of the shape of the head as it relates to
human behavior; belief that the skull’s shape could predict
criminality and personality.

5. Johann Gaspar Spurzheim (1800-1810s)
Spurzheim was one of Gall’s students that
introduced phrenological theory to
Americans.

6. Cesare Lombroso (1890s)

7. Atavism
The suggestion that criminals are physiological
throwbacks to earlier stages of human
evolution which is an emphasis on Darwin’s
theory of evolution.

8. Born Criminal
Born criminals are individuals who are born
with a genetic predisposition toward
criminality.

9. Criminaloids
Occasional criminals who are observed to be
pulled into criminality primarily by
environmental influences.

10. Masculinity Hypothesis
Masculinity hypothesis was first introduced in
Lombroso’s 1893 publication of The Female
Offender. This is the belief that, over time, men and
women will commit crimes that are increasingly
similar in nature, frequency, and seriousness.

11. Charles Buckman Goring (1910s)
Goring conducted a well-controlled study with
findings that disputed Lombroso’s claims.