physiological theories- sheldons

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  • Created by: lilly2103
  • Created on: 19-05-22 18:16

 Physiological theory- Sheldon's somatotypes

Causes

  • 3 types of body types :
  • Mesomorphic body they have large bones, wide shoulders, low fat levels and high amount of muscle
  • Ectomorphic body has thin limbs, low fat storage and slim
  • Endomorphic body type has a large fat storage and large waist
  • Believed that mesomorphs are more likely to become criminal
  • 1942

Effects

  • ADVANTAGES
  • Used a large group size of 200
  • Sheldon and Gluck-60% were mesomorphs
  • DISADVANTAGES
  • Does not explain how ectomorphs and endomorphs become criminals
  • Somatotypes are not fixed
  • Mesomorphic people are stereotyped and the legal system might treat them more harshly

Overall summary

Mesomorphs are more likely to become criminal but this results in labelling and body types change over time

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