Criminals are born not made

The statement "Criminals are born, not made" represents the core philosophy of the Positive School of Criminology, specifically the Italian School. This view suggests that criminal behavior is rooted in biological factors rather than social environment or personal choice.

1. Lombroso’s Theory of Atavism

Cesare Lombroso, often called the "Father of Modern Criminology," was the primary proponent of this view. He shifted the focus from the crime to the criminal.

• The Concept: Lombroso argued that criminals are "evolutionary throwbacks" or atavists—individuals who have failed to evolve to the level of modern humans.

• Physical Stigmata: He claimed criminals could be identified by physical abnormalities, such as:

  • Asymmetrical craniums or large jaws.

  • Extra fingers or toes.

  • Low foreheads and large, protruding ears.

  • High cheekbones and an insensitivity to pain.

• Classification: While he initially believed all criminals were born as such, he later refined his theory to include "criminaloids" (those driven by environment) and "insane criminals."

2. Biological Positivism: Sheldon’s Somatotypes

In the 1940s, William Sheldon expanded on biological determinism by linking body types (somatotypes) to temperament and delinquency:

• Ectomorphs: Thin and fragile (introverted/sensitive).

• Endomorphs: Soft and fat (sociable/relaxed).

• Mesomorphs: Muscular and athletic (aggressive/active).

  • Conclusion: Sheldon argued that Mesomorphs were most likely to be "born" criminals due to their physical propensity for aggression.

3. Modern Biological Perspectives (The Genetic Link)

Modern science has moved away from physical "bumps on the head" but still explores the "born" aspect through genetics:

• The XYY Syndrome: In the 1960s, researchers theorized that men with an extra Y chromosome (the "Super-male") were more prone to violence, though this has been largely debunked as a sole cause.

• Twin and Adoption Studies: Research consistently shows that identical twins have higher "concordance rates" for criminal behavior than fraternal twins, suggesting a genetic predisposition.

4. Critical Comment: "Made, Not Born"

The consensus in modern criminology is that while biological factors might create a predisposition, they do not create a destiny. The "Born" theory is criticized for several reasons:

1. Environmental Neglect: It ignores the impact of poverty, broken homes, lack of education, and social inequality (Sutherland’s Differential Association).

2. Lack of Scientific Rigor: Lombroso’s physical traits were often found in non-criminals as well, and his samples were biased toward institutionalized populations.

3. Legal Implications: If criminals are strictly "born," then the concept of Mens Rea (guilty mind) becomes irrelevant, and rehabilitation becomes impossible—leading to a "lock them up forever" mentality.

4. The Biosocial Approach: Most contemporary experts support a Nature via Nurture model. A person might be born with a certain temperament (genetics), but it is their environment (family, peers, economy) that triggers or suppresses criminal behavior.

Conclusion

The statement "Criminals are born" is an oversimplification. While biological traits and neurochemistry play a role in human behavior, the socialization process is what ultimately shapes a "criminal." A person may have an aggressive temperament (Nature), but whether that aggression leads to being a professional athlete or a violent offender is usually a result of their environment (Nurture).