NCJ Number
124200
Date Published
1989
Length
23 pages
Annotation
Research suggests that class-relational measures should replace socio-economic status measures when considering white-collar crime.
Abstract
White collar crime has been defined as "crime committed by a person of respectability and high social status in the course of his occupation." This concept places the individual in a certain position within a social hierarchy of respect and has led to the unexpected finding that high-status white-collar offenders receive more severe punishments than do low-status ones. Important efforts have been made to distinguish between individually motivated and occupational or company-sponsored white-collar crimes. As white-collar crime is organized crime which derives from the social organization of business, the power to commit white-collar crime is determined by structural position within that organization. Class also influences punishment. The sheer complexity and longterm effect of many white-collar crimes make malicious intent easy to cover up and criminal prosecution economically unfeasible to pursue. The chapter studies securities violations in Ontario, Canada, with tables including data which compare employers, managers, petty bourgeoisie, and workers. Figure, 9 notes, 6 tables.