What is the concept of criminal atavism?

The concept of criminal atavism is rooted in the belief that certain individuals who engage in criminal behavior exhibit physical traits reminiscent of earlier stages of human evolution or primitive ancestors. This idea suggests that these individuals may be biologically predisposed to criminality due to inherited characteristics that align them more closely with ancestral human forms, reflecting a kind of evolutionary throwback. This perspective was notably advanced by early criminologist Cesare Lombroso, who conducted studies intending to correlate physical characteristics such as skull shape, facial structure, and other anatomical features with criminal behavior.

This view contrasts with other theories that attribute criminal behavior to mental illness, environmental factors, or learned behaviors. For instance, the belief that all criminals have a mental illness lacks specificity and fails to account for the broader range of factors influencing delinquency. Similarly, the theories focusing on environmental influences or social learning emphasize the role of external factors and experiences rather than biological determinism. Thus, the concept of criminal atavism distinctly highlights a biological argument regarding the physical traits of delinquents and their potential relationship to criminality.