Basic Instincts - created from Mind Map

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Lombroso's Theory

Social Perspective

aggression

two pivotal points

criminals could be identified on 'atavistic stigmata'

he abhorred retribution & placed emphasis on punishment on the protection of society

a basis to crime originating in the brain

criminals were an evolutionary throwback to more primitive species

physical characteristics from more primitive stages of human evolution

he created an evolutionary hierarchy

large jaw

sloping forehead

single palmer crease

Jews & Northern Italians at the top

Southern Italians, Bolivians & Peruvians at the bottom

favoured the death penalty for offenders that were 'born evil'

the human capacity for antisocial & violent behaviour is not a random occurrence

even as early as hominids - the ability to reason, communicate and cooperate - brute violence remained a successful 'cheating; strategy

most criminal acts can be seen, directly or indirectly; as a way to take resources away from others

violent crimes may be informed by a primitive evolutionary logic

drive-by shooting senseless but they help establish dominance & status in the neighbourhood

from rape to robbery to theft, evolution has made violence & antisocial behaviour a profitable way of life for a small minority

the ultimate capacity for our antisocial misdeeds can be understood with reference to evolutionary biology

from fundamental evolutionary mechanisms; genetic differences have helped shape the anatomy of violence

maladaptive

aberrant

we give heavy legal sentences to violent offenders to deter them and others from committing crimes

an evolutionary root to actions that run the gamut; from bullies threatening for candy to men robbing banks for money

defensive aggression

mating game for males is about developing a desirable status in society

gaining a reputation for aggression increases status in one's social group & allows more access to resources & deters aggression from others

not adjusting adequately/appropriately to environment/situation

departing from an accepted standard

so it surely cannot be seen adaptive

also important in warding off others who may wish to steal resources