Social Process
White-Collar Crime
Classical Criminology
Positive Criminology
examine the power of labeling, as well as the differences between white-collar and street crime.
Are labels ever desirable? What non-criminal labels might impact a person's likelihood to commit crime?
Does labeling result from behavior or personal qualities? What might this have to do with immigration policies?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of sociological theories, such as differential association, anomie, and strain, in their ability to explain blue-collar and white-collar crimes? Do these theories better explain blue-collar crimes than white-collar crimes? Why?
It has been suggested that white-collar crimes are motivated by "classical" factors, while street crimes are primarily "positive" in nature. Explain why you agree or disagree with this statement.
White-Collar Crime
White-collar crime is a crime committed by individuals of high socioeconomic status in the course of their occupation. It often involves deception, fraud, or other forms of financial misconduct. White-collar crimes can have a significant impact on the economy and society.
Classical Criminology
Classical criminology is a theory of crime that focuses on the rational choice of the offender. According to classical criminology, people commit crimes because they believe that the benefits of crime outweigh the risks. The theory argues that people are rational actors who will weigh the costs and benefits of crime before deciding whether or not to commit it.
Positive Criminology
Positive criminology is a theory of crime that focuses on the causes of crime. Positive criminology theories seek to identify the factors that make people more likely to commit crimes. Some of the most common positive criminology theories include:
- Biosocial theories: These theories argue that crime is caused by biological factors, such as genetics, brain damage, or mental illness.
- Psychological theories: These theories argue that crime is caused by psychological factors, such as personality disorders, low self-control, or mental illness.
- Social theories: These theories argue that crime is caused by social factors, such as poverty, inequality, or lack of opportunity.
- Motivation: White-collar crime is often motivated by financial gain, while street crime is often motivated by other factors, such as anger, revenge, or thrill-seeking.
- Method: White-collar crime is often committed through deception or fraud, while street crime is often committed through violence or theft.
- Victims: White-collar crime often has victims who are businesses or organizations, while street crime often has victims who are individuals.
- Perpetrators: White-collar crime is often committed by people of high socioeconomic status, while street crime is often committed by people of lower socioeconomic status.
- "Loser": A person who is labeled as a "loser" might be more likely to commit crimes in an attempt to gain attention or respect.
- "Failure": A person who is labeled as a "failure" might be more likely to commit crimes in an attempt to escape their perceived failures.
- "Problem child": A person who is labeled as a "problem child" might be more likely to commit crimes as a way of acting out or getting attention.