SOC 2700 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Meta-Analysis, Central Nervous System, Autonomic Nervous System
Document Summary
Modern biological theories do not argue for biological determinism. They argue that certain biological characteristics increase the probability that individu- als will engage in behaviours. Many theories focus on the interaction between biological characteristics and the so- cial environment. Earliest theorist emphasized physical appearance as the distinguishing mark of the criminal thought to be inferior biologically producing physical characteristics. Phrenology studied the external shape of the skull, assuming tit revealed the shape of the brain inside. Different parts of the brain were associated with different faculties or functions of the mind. Studied anatomical features of the human body thoughts criminals were biological throwbacks to an earlier evolutionary stage, people more primitive and less highly evolved than their noncriminal counterparts - atavistic. Lombroso"s theory generate strong reactions - favourable and unfavourable. He offered to have an impartial committee study his theories and he would retract his theories if the characteristics of each were found to be identical.
