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“White Collar Crime”. Sutherland’s Definition Coined “white collar crime” People of “status” in course of “occupation” Types of White collar crime Corporate crime Government crime Occupational Crime Organized crime . Causes of W.C.C.? .
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“White Collar Crime” • Sutherland’s Definition • Coined “white collar crime” • People of “status” in course of “occupation” • Types of White collar crime • Corporate crime • Government crime • Occupational Crime • Organized crime
Causes of W.C.C.? • Have we covered any theories that can explain something like corporate crime? • Why do millionaires break the law to get more money?
Sutherland • W.C.C. as “learned behavior” • Learn “rationalizations” and techniques • Not really “crime” but crafty business techniques • “Bait and Switch” • “Price Fixing” • “Corporate Culture”
Rational Choice Theory • The benefit ($) outweighs the cost (CJS penalties) • The “risk” of getting caught is relatively low (low certainty)
Messner and Rosefeld? • The “American Dream Ethos” • Monetary success is unlimited • All pressured to get “MORE”
Low Self-control • Desire for quick certain benefit with minimal effort • W.C.C. as “rare” because most business executives have high self-control
Theories not well equipped to explain WCC? • Merton (goals and means) • Most have “means” to achieve legitimately • Informal Social Control • Most have much to “risk” should they get caught
How Can we Prevent W.C.C.? • Compliance Strategies • Create environment where compliance is rewarded ($ incentives) • Internal audits, insurance industry as watch-dog, whistle-blowers hotline • Administrative Oversight • Securities and Exchange Commission
Preventing W.C.C. II • Deterrence—criminal penalties • Assumption made: criminal behavior is rational (WCC vs. “street crimes” • Criminal punishment rare—usually punish the more powerless businesses • Not “real criminals” don’t deserve prison • Most cases heard in civil court • CONFLICT THEORY!!!!!!
“Organized Crime” • Is there really a “mafia?” • Myth created by media and a few felons or truth? • How “organized” is organized crime? • Is the “mafia” on the decline? • RICO enforcement • The “geritol gang” • Infusion of street gangs and different ethnic groups
“Blue Collar Crime” • Crimes committed by people of lower status as part of their occupation • Steal from work (property, $) • Tax evasion