Who believed that genetic inheritance and/or abnormality led to a higher risk of crime?

Who believed that genetic inheritance and/or abnormality led to a higher risk of crime?

• A. Lombroso
• B. Durkheim
• C. Quetelet
• D. Mendel

Answer: (A)

The idea tested is that criminality can be tied to biology—that inherited traits or physical abnormalities can increase the likelihood of crime. Cesare Lombroso is the figure most associated with this view. He argued that some people are “born criminals,” proof of atavism, meaning their biology carries inherited predispositions toward disruptive behavior. He even linked certain physical traits or anomalies to this criminal potential, suggesting that crime risk arises from inherited, biological differences rather than social factors alone. This is why it’s the best answer: it directly asserts that genetic inheritance and abnormality influence crime risk, which is the essence of Lombroso’s theory. In contrast, Durkheim viewed crime as a social fact reflecting how society is organized; Quetelet emphasized social and demographic factors in crime rates; and Mendel, while foundational to genetics, did not apply inheritance to criminal behavior.

The idea tested is that criminality can be tied to biology—that inherited traits or physical abnormalities can increase the likelihood of crime. Cesare Lombroso is the figure most associated with this view. He argued that some people are “born criminals,” proof of atavism, meaning their biology carries inherited predispositions toward disruptive behavior. He even linked certain physical traits or anomalies to this criminal potential, suggesting that crime risk arises from inherited, biological differences rather than social factors alone.

This is why it’s the best answer: it directly asserts that genetic inheritance and abnormality influence crime risk, which is the essence of Lombroso’s theory. In contrast, Durkheim viewed crime as a social fact reflecting how society is organized; Quetelet emphasized social and demographic factors in crime rates; and Mendel, while foundational to genetics, did not apply inheritance to criminal behavior.