Body Type (Somatotype) Theory PDF

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Body type theory...

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Body Type or Somatotype Theory William Sheldon Sheldon attempted to prove a correlation between certain body types and criminal behavior. This theory focuses on human development prior to birth and asserts that different body types have different temperaments. These tendencies affect criminal and delinquent behavior. Sheldon identified three major body types: 1. Endomorphs have physiques that are heavy, soft and round in shape. 2. Ectomorphs have physiques that are very tall, lean and flat-chested. 3. Mesomorphs have physiques that are muscular, heavy-chested and athletic Sheldon labeled the last, Mesomorph, as most likely to commit delinquent and criminal acts. This theory assumes that criminality is rooted in genetics and that appearance can predict antisocial and violent behavior. There is no clear evidence that this relationship between body-type and crime exists and research has not been able to substantiate this belief. Human behavior is grounded in both social and biological factors. However, there may be a tendency for the courts and police to label individuals as delinquent who are strong, muscular and athletic.

Sources Glick, L. and Miller, J.M. (2008). Criminology (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc. Conklin, J. (2004). Criminology (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc. Akers, R. and Sellers, C. (2009). Criminological Theories: Introduction, Evaluation and Application. (5th ed.). NY: Oxford University Press....