Criminal Man According To The Classification Of Cesare Lombroso

Cesare Lombroso (1835-1909) was an Italian criminologist and physician who is considered the father of criminology. He developed a theory of atavism, which proposed that criminals were throwbacks to a more primitive stage of human evolution. Lombroso believed that criminals could be identified by their physical characteristics, which he called stigmata. In 1876, he published his book L'uomo delinquente (The Criminal Man),in which he outlined his theory.

Lombroso's theory was based on the idea that criminals are born, not made. He believed that they have a predisposition to crime due to their inherited physical and mental characteristics. These characteristics, or stigmata, included things like large jaws, sloping foreheads, and high cheekbones. Lombroso also believed that criminals were more likely to be left-handed, have tattoos, and have a low pain threshold.

Lombroso's theory was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but it has since been discredited. There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that criminals are born with a predisposition to crime. In fact, most criminals are not violent or aggressive. However, Lombroso's theory laid the foundation for the field of criminology. His work helped to dispel the myths that criminals were either mentally ill or possessed by demons. He also helped to establish the importance of environmental factors in the development of criminal behavior.

Criminal Man According to the Classification of Cesare Lombroso

by Jason Mann

4.2 out of 5

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Lombroso's Classification of Criminals

Lombroso classified criminals into three main types:

1. Born criminals were the most dangerous type of criminal. They were believed to be atavistic throwbacks to a more primitive stage of human evolution. Born criminals were characterized by their physical stigmata, as well as their aggressive and violent behavior.
2. Insane criminals were those who had committed crimes due to mental illness. They were characterized by their bizarre behavior and their lack of understanding of right and wrong.
3. Criminaloids were those who committed crimes due to environmental factors, such as poverty or social isolation. They were not born criminals, but they had been led into crime by their circumstances. Criminaloids were characterized by their lack of physical stigmata and their more rational behavior.

Lombroso believed that the best way to prevent crime was to identify and isolate born criminals. He advocated for the use of capital punishment and other harsh measures to deal with dangerous criminals. He also believed that criminals should be rehabilitated through education and training.

Criticism of Lombroso's Theory

Lombroso's theory has been criticized on a number of grounds. First, there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that criminals are born with a predisposition to crime. In fact, most criminals are not violent or aggressive. Second, Lombroso's classification of criminals is too simplistic. There is no one-size-fits-all explanation for criminal behavior. Third, Lombroso's theory is based on a racist and sexist view of human nature. He believed that criminals were more likely to be non-white, female, and poor.

Despite these criticisms, Lombroso's theory laid the foundation for the field of criminology. His work helped to dispel the myths that criminals were either mentally ill or possessed by demons. He also helped to establish the importance of environmental factors in the development of criminal behavior.

Cesare Lombroso was a pioneering criminologist whose work has had a lasting impact on the field. His theory of atavism, which proposed that criminals were throwbacks to a more primitive stage of human evolution, has been discredited. However, his work helped to dispel the myths that criminals were either mentally ill or possessed by demons. He also helped to establish the importance of environmental factors in the development of criminal behavior. Lombroso's work laid the foundation for the field of criminology and continues to be influential today.

Criminal Man According to the Classification of Cesare Lombroso

by Jason Mann

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	441 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	195 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE