The Positivist School

1. The Positivist School of Criminology

The positivist school of criminology is a perspective within the field of criminology that emerged in the late 19th century as a reaction to the classical school of criminology. While the classical school focused on free will, rational choice, and deterrence, the positivist school shifted the emphasis to the scientific study of criminal behavior (Siegel, 2018).

A key feature of this school is determinism, which rejects the notion of free will (Mazzarello, 2011).

Determinism argues that human behavior, including criminal behavior, is determined by factors that are largely beyond an individual’s control. In positivism, these factors are typically biological, but they could also be psychological or sociological in nature.

You will now learn about the role of science in positivism, as well as some of the people who played a key role in the development of this school of criminology.

terms to know

Positivist School of Criminology

A school of thought in the field of criminology that focuses on the scientific study of criminal behavior.

Determinism

A doctrine stating that all events, including human action, are ultimately determined by causes external to the will.

2. The Scientific Method

Positivist criminologists advocate for the use of scientific methods to study and understand criminal behavior. They are interested in empirical research, data collection, and statistical analysis to identify patterns and correlations in criminal behavior. They recognize that science plays a crucial role in shaping and advancing our understanding of society and human behavior (Dudovskiy, 2010).

Positivism stresses the importance of observation and measurement. Scientific methods involve gathering data through the systematic and objective observation of the real world. The emphasis on empirical evidence distinguishes positivism from the classical school, which dealt more with philosophical ideas about free will.

Similarly, positivism seeks to maintain objectivity when studying social phenomena. Objectivity implies a commitment on the part of the researcher to be unbiased and impartial when observing and interpreting data. Thus, scientists following the positivist approach strive to minimize personal biases and subjective influences in their research (Dudovskiy, 2010).

terms to know

Scientific Method

A procedure consisting of systematic observation, measurement, and experimentation.

Objectivity

The state of being unbiased and impartial while not letting personal beliefs influence one’s research.

3. Biological Positivism

Many early positivist criminologists focused on biological factors as contributors to criminal behavior. Early positivists, such as Cesare Lombroso, proposed the idea of a “born criminal” and suggested that certain physical traits or anomalies were indicative of a predisposition to criminality. Lombroso was one of the first criminologists to use the scientific method, as discussed in the previous section.

Lombroso’s significance lies in his attempt to link criminal behavior to physical and biological traits. His most influential work, L’Uomo Delinquente (Criminal Man), published in 1876, outlined his theories and had a significant impact on the field of criminology (Holland, 2011).

Lombroso’s theory of atavism was based on the assumption that criminals were biologically distinct from noncriminals and that criminality could be inherited. He believed that criminals were “atavistic,” representing a throwback to earlier stages of human evolution. According to Lombroso, features such as a sloping forehead, large jaws, high cheekbones, and other physical anomalies were indicative of criminal tendencies (Siegel, 2018).

Lombroso’s work laid the foundation for the development of modern criminology. It prompted further research into the causes of criminal behavior and influenced subsequent generations of criminologists to consider a multidimensional approach to understanding crime. His impact on criminology stimulated ongoing debates and discussions about criminal behavior. However, in an upcoming lesson, we will discuss some of the critiques related to the positivist school of criminology and Lombroso’s work.

William Sheldon is another researcher who is often associated with biological positivism. Sheldon is most known for developing somatotypes, a classification system that categorizes individuals into different body types based on physical characteristics. According to Sheldon, there are three primary somatotypes: endomorphs, mesomorphs, and ectomorphs. Each is associated with specific personality traits and tendencies (Siegel, 2018).

• Endomorphs are characterized by a round physique with a higher percentage of body fat. They are associated with being sociable, relaxed, and comfortable. Thus, they are more inclined toward a laid-back lifestyle.
• Mesomorphs are characterized by a muscular and athletic build, with a naturally higher percentage of lean body mass. They are often described as assertive, competitive, and energetic. They may be more predisposed to physical activities and sports. Furthermore, according to Sheldon, they are also the type most likely to be criminals.
• Lastly, ectomorphs have a lean and slender physique with a lower percentage of body fat and muscle mass. They are typically seen as introverted, intellectual, and sensitive. Ectomorphs may tend to engage in activities requiring mental rather than physical effort.

terms to know

Biological Factors

Factors that contribute to the structure, functioning, and development of living organisms.

Atavism

The tendency to revert to something ancient or ancestral.

Somatotype

A category to which people are assigned based on the extent to which their bodily physique conforms to a basic type.

Endomorph

A round body type with a high proportion of fat tissue.

Mesomorph

A body type with a greater than average amount of muscle.

Ectomorph

A body type that is lean, with little body fat and little muscle.

REFERENCES

Dudovskiy, J. (2010). Positivism research methodology. Business Research Methodology. research-methodology.net/research-philosophy/positivism/

Holland, M. (2011). Cesare Lombroso’s criminal man. University of Missouri. library.missouri.edu/specialcollections/exhibits/show/controlling-heredity/origins/lombroso

Mazzarello, P. (2011). Cesare Lombroso: An anthropologist between evolution and degeneration. Functional Neurology, 26(2), 97–101. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3814446/

Siegel, L. J. (2018). Criminology: Theories, patterns, and typologies (13th ed.). Cengage.