Somatotype

Somatotype is a taxonomy developed in the mid-20th century by American psychologist William Herbert Sheldon to categorize the human physique according to the relative contribution of three fundamental elements which he termed 'somatotypes'. They are: ectomorph, endomorph, and mesomorph. Sheldon proposed that the human physique be classified according to the relative contribution of three fundamental elements, somatotypes, named after the three germ layers of embryonic development: the endoderm, (develops into the digestive tract), the mesoderm, (becomes muscle, heart and blood vessels), and the ectoderm (forms the skin and nervous system).

History

The concept of somatotypes is rooted in the work of William Herbert Sheldon, who in the 1940s introduced the idea of classifying individuals based on their body build. Sheldon's work was influenced by earlier research, notably that of the German psychiatrist Ernst Kretschmer.

Somatotypes

Ectomorph

The ectomorph is characterized by a lean and long physique, with relatively little muscle and fat. Ectomorphs are often referred to as being 'skinny', they usually have a smaller frame, thinner bones and smaller joints, and may have difficulty gaining weight or muscle mass.

Endomorph

The endomorph is characterized by a preponderance of body fat. Endomorphs are typically perceived as curvaceous, fuller figured individuals. They have a larger bone structure with higher amounts of total body mass and fat mass.

Mesomorph

The mesomorph has a muscular and athletic build. Mesomorphs have a higher percentage of muscle mass and lower body fat than ectomorphs and endomorphs. They are typically strong, sturdy, and hardy, and they have a faster metabolism than endomorphs.

Criticism and Controversy

Sheldon's somatotype theory has been criticized for its methodological and theoretical weaknesses. Critics argue that the theory is overly simplistic and does not take into account the complexity of human physical variation. Furthermore, Sheldon's original research was based on a limited sample of white male college students, raising questions about the applicability of his findings to other populations.

See Also

• Body shape
• Human physical appearance
• Physique rating

Somatotype Resources
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