Who is commonly regarded as the grandfather of modern criminology?

The title of "grandfather of modern criminology" is commonly attributed to Cesare Lombroso due to his pioneering work in the field of criminology in the late 19th century. Lombroso is best known for his biological theories of crime, particularly his assertion that criminal behavior was innate and could be identified by physical characteristics. He introduced the concept of the "born criminal," suggesting that certain individuals are predisposed to crime based on their physiological traits.

His work laid the foundation for later developments in criminology and influenced the way crime and criminal behavior are understood today. Lombroso's emphasis on a scientific approach to criminality marked a significant departure from previous theories that relied more heavily on sociological or psychological explanations. Thus, his contributions have earned him the recognition as a foundational figure in the study of crime, essentially establishing it as a discipline worthy of academic inquiry.

In contrast, other figures mentioned, such as Albert Cohen, were more focused on sociological aspects of crime and deviance, while Emile Durkheim made significant contributions to sociology and the study of social facts, providing a framework for understanding crime in relation to society. Edwin Sutherland is known for his work on white-collar crime and the concept of differential association, which expanded