Atavism

Definition

Atavism refers to the reappearance of characteristics or traits from an earlier stage of evolution in an individual or group, often used to describe a tendency towards primitive or ancestral traits in criminal behavior. This concept suggests that some criminals may revert to behaviors associated with earlier human ancestors, indicating a biological basis for criminality. Atavism is tied to the belief that biological factors can influence criminal behavior, which connects it to various biological theories surrounding crime.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Atavism was first popularized by Cesare Lombroso in the late 19th century, who argued that criminals were biological throwbacks to earlier stages of human evolution.
2. Lombroso categorized criminals into different types based on physical traits, suggesting that these traits were indicative of a person's propensity for crime.
3. Critics of atavism argue that it oversimplifies the complex nature of criminal behavior by attributing it solely to biological factors, neglecting environmental and social influences.
4. Atavistic features identified by Lombroso included asymmetrical faces, large jaws, and other physical anomalies that he believed were markers of a criminal nature.
5. Although atavism has largely fallen out of favor in modern criminology, its ideas have contributed to ongoing discussions about the interplay between biology and behavior in understanding crime.

Review Questions

• How did Cesare Lombroso's theory of atavism shape early understandings of criminal behavior?
  • Cesare Lombroso's theory of atavism significantly influenced early criminological thought by proposing that criminals were biological throwbacks to earlier stages of human evolution. He believed that certain physical characteristics were indicators of a predisposition to criminality. This perspective shifted the focus towards biological determinism in explaining crime, suggesting that inherent traits could dictate criminal behavior.
• Evaluate the criticisms surrounding the concept of atavism and its implications for the study of criminal behavior.
  • Critics of atavism highlight its reductionist view, arguing that it oversimplifies the causes of criminal behavior by focusing primarily on biological traits. They assert that such a viewpoint ignores the significant roles of social environment, psychological factors, and situational influences. This criticism emphasizes the need for a more holistic approach in criminology that considers a variety of factors beyond mere biology when analyzing why individuals engage in criminal acts.
• Assess the relevance of atavism in contemporary criminology and how it has influenced modern perspectives on crime.
  • While atavism is not widely accepted in contemporary criminology, it has had a lasting impact on discussions regarding the relationship between biology and behavior. Modern perspectives now focus more on a biopsychosocial model, which integrates genetic, environmental, and social factors in understanding criminal behavior. The historical context provided by atavism serves as a foundation for current research into how genetic predispositions may interact with societal influences to affect crime rates and individual behavior.

Related terms

Lombroso: Cesare Lombroso was an Italian criminologist and physician who is often referred to as the father of modern criminology; he introduced the concept of atavism in his theory of the 'born criminal.'

Criminal Anthropology:

A field of study that examines the relationship between biology and criminal behavior, focusing on physical characteristics and social factors that may contribute to criminality.

Biological Determinism: The belief that biological factors, such as genetics and physiology, primarily shape human behavior and can predispose individuals to criminal activity.