Criminological Theories and White-Collar Crime

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Questions and Answers

What are the three elements that influence the likelihood of a crime occurring, according to Routine Activities Theory?

Victim's vulnerability, community involvement, criminal intent

Capable guardianship, suitable target, brave offender

Environmental factors, target hardening, police presence

Motivated offender, suitable target, lack of capable guardianship (correct)

In the context of Routine Activities Theory, which scenario best illustrates the concept of a suitable target?

A group of friends socializing in a well-lit park

A crowded public event with police presence

A secured store with monitored entrances

A person walking alone at night through an isolated area (correct)

How can Wal-Mart address the lack of capable guardianship to deter shoplifting?

Remove security cameras from store premises

Reduce the number of staff during peak hours

Increase security personnel and train employees to monitor behavior (correct)

Limit customer access to aisles with high-value items

Which strategy could be implemented at Wal-Mart to deter motivated offenders from committing theft?

Use clear signage indicating the consequences of theft Signup and view all the answers

What example illustrates the application of Routine Activities Theory to victimization studies?

Studying an individual walking home alone in a poorly lit area Signup and view all the answers

What intervention could Wal-Mart implement to make items less suitable for theft?

Apply security tags to merchandise and place items in secure locations Signup and view all the answers

In Routine Activities Theory, which option is considered a motivated offender?

A criminal intent on stealing from the store Signup and view all the answers

What role does capable guardianship play in reducing victimization according to Routine Activities Theory?

It serves as a deterrent to potential offenders Signup and view all the answers

What does Rational Choice Theory suggest about criminal behavior?

Criminals make calculated decisions based on perceived risks and rewards. Signup and view all the answers

How does the autonomic nervous system (ANS) influence criminal behavior?

It controls involuntary physiological functions that can affect behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the role of the behavioral activation system (BAS) in relation to criminal behavior?

BAS contributes to the motivation for risk-taking and seeking rewards. Signup and view all the answers

What might deter an individual from committing shoplifting according to Rational Choice Theory?

The fear of getting caught and facing consequences. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios illustrates a rational choice leading to a crime?

An individual meticulously plans a burglary, considering the timing and security measures. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for preparing the body for 'fight or flight' responses?

Sympathetic nervous system Signup and view all the answers

In the context of preventing crime, what is a suggested approach in light of Rational Choice Theory?

Enhance awareness of consequences to lower appeal of crime. Signup and view all the answers

Why might organized crime require a level of strategic thinking according to Rational Choice Theory?

Perpetrators need to evade law enforcement while maximizing profits. Signup and view all the answers

Which social factors can help reduce recidivism in offenders?

Stable housing and employment opportunities Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of criminal behavior development does Patterson's model emphasize?

Family dynamics and early childhood experiences Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes life-course persistent offenders according to Moffitt's theory?

A pattern of neuropsychological deficits and lifelong antisocial behavior Signup and view all the answers

How does Moffitt's approach differentiate between adolescent-limited and life-course persistent offenders?

By the duration and consistency of their criminal behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which intervention strategy is emphasized by Patterson's model for preventing criminal behavior?

Improving parenting skills Signup and view all the answers

What is a common trait of adolescent-limited offenders in Moffitt's theory?

Motivated by a need for independence and status among peers Signup and view all the answers

Which type of offender is likely to maintain their criminal behavior into adulthood according to Moffitt's theory?

Life-course persistent offenders Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT considered to contribute to the development of antisocial behaviors in Patterson's model?

Positive community intervention programs Signup and view all the answers

How does Strain Theory explain criminal behavior in the context of white-collar crime?

It posits that intense pressure to achieve goals leads to unethical actions. Signup and view all the answers

What role does Social Learning Theory play in understanding white-collar crime?

It explains how individuals learn crime through their corporate environment. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a context in which Strain Theory would apply to street crime?

A person facing limited educational opportunities resorting to theft. Signup and view all the answers

What historical events influenced the emergence of conservative criminology?

Social upheavals and rising crime rates in the 1960s and 1970s. Signup and view all the answers

In what way can peer influence contribute to white-collar crime, according to Social Learning Theory?

Learning from colleagues who engage in illegal activities can perpetuate crime. Signup and view all the answers

What societal changes occurred in Western societies during the rise of conservative criminology?

Cultural and political changes alongside rising crime rates. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the motivation behind white-collar crime when applying Strain Theory?

High expectations and pressure can lead to unethical behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What does Conservative criminology primarily focus on addressing?

Measures to enhance effective crime control and public safety. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of a less responsive ANS on individuals' behavior?

They may engage in more risky behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

How is the BAS primarily involved in an individual's behavior?

It is linked to the brain's reward system. Signup and view all the answers

What is one implication of current biosocial theories for preventing criminal behavior?

Identifying risk factors in childhood is crucial. Signup and view all the answers

What type of interventions may benefit individuals with high impulsivity?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy focused on impulse control. Signup and view all the answers

What consequence may arise from having an overactive BAS?

Increased risk-taking for immediate gratification. Signup and view all the answers

What element is crucial for personalized treatment approaches according to biosocial theories?

Understanding individual biological predispositions. Signup and view all the answers

Why is enhancing early childhood education important in addressing criminal tendencies?

It can help mitigate childhood risk factors. Signup and view all the answers

What role does a supportive social environment play in biosocial theories?

It can enhance the effectiveness of rehabilitation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a central tenet of Critical Race Theory (CRT)?

Institutional racism affects people of color. Signup and view all the answers

Who were some of the key proponents of Critical Race Theory?

Derrick Bell, Kimberlé Crenshaw, and Richard Delgado Signup and view all the answers

What does CRT emphasize to challenge dominant discourses?

Counter-storytelling from marginalized groups Signup and view all the answers

How does CRT view the relationship between race and social stratification?

Race intersects with class and gender roles. Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'institutional racism' refer to in CRT?

Policies and practices that disadvantage people of color. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of change does CRT advocate for?

Transformative change to dismantle systemic inequalities. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect does CRT primarily critique in relation to the criminal justice system?

The systemic influence of racism and its impact. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of amplifying marginalized voices according to CRT?

To reveal realities of racial injustice. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Criminological Theories Applied to White-Collar Crime

Strain Theory, developed by Robert Merton, suggests crime occurs when societal goals and available means clash. In white-collar crime, intense pressure to meet financial targets or achieve career advancement can lead to criminal behavior as a means to bridge the gap between aspirations and current reality.
Social Learning Theory, proposed by Albert Bandura, posits that individuals learn criminal behavior through associations with others. In white-collar crime, this means corporate cultures where unethical behavior is normalized or rewarded can lead to a wider adoption of similar behaviors within an organization.

Historical Context of Conservative Criminology

Conservative criminology emerged in response to social upheavals and rising crime rates in the 1960s and 70s.
The period saw significant cultural and political shifts, accompanied by an increase in crime rates, leading to public insecurity and a demand for more effective crime control.
In the US, the conservative movement gained momentum during the late 1970s and early 80s, with the Reagan administration emphasizing law and order, tougher sentencing, increased law enforcement funding, and a "war on drugs."

Impact of IQ on Criminality

The relationship between IQ and criminality is explored from various perspectives.
- Biological Perspective: Associates lower IQ with a higher propensity for criminal behavior, due to impaired cognitive abilities.
- Sociological Perspective: Argues that social factors mediate the relationship between IQ and crime. Lower IQ might lead to educational/occupational failure, frustration, and involvement.
- Psychological Perspective: Highlights the interplay between cognitive abilities and personality traits. Lower IQ can increase susceptibility to developing antisocial personality traits, possibly impacting social interactions.
- Developmental Perspective: Examines the interaction between IQ and other developmental factors (like social environment) throughout the life course to understand the likelihood of criminal behavior.
These perspectives show that the relationship is complex, involving a combination of biological, social, psychological, and developmental factors.

Broken Windows Theory

Broken Windows theory, proposed by Wilson and Kelling, suggests that visible signs of disorder lead to increased crime.
The theory posits that minor disorder, left unaddressed, signals a lack of community monitoring, potentially encouraging more serious crimes.
Policy implications include zero-tolerance policing (strict enforcement of all laws), community policing (building relationships), and urban renewal projects that enhance environments.

Epistemic Coup and Zuboff's Stages

An epistemic coup is a fundamental shift in how knowledge is produced, controlled, and used in society, often monopolised by a few entities.
Zuboff outlines four stages of an epistemic coup:
- Incursion: initial penetration of technologies for data gathering.
- Habituation: society becomes accustomed to these new practices, normalizing data collection.
- Adaptation: institutions and individuals start relying on data.
- Redefinition: data use fundamentally alters societal norms and values.

Routine Activities Theory

Routine Activities Theory, developed by Cohen and Felson, suggests the likelihood of crime is influenced by the convergence of three elements: a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of capable guardianship.
Application: analyzing routine behaviors of individuals and places to find patterns promoting victimization risks. Analyzing these routines could increase security awareness.
Practical example: a person walking home late through a poorly lit area increases likelihood of victimization (suitable target with lack of capable guardianship).
Application to Wal-Mart: motivated offenders (deterrent), suitable targets (security tags/placing items in secure areas/increased staff), and lack of capable guardianship (increased staff, cameras, signage).

Rational Choice Theory & Criminal Behavior

Rational Choice Theory proposes crime as the result of rational choice, where individuals weigh potential benefits and consequences.
A shoplifter might weigh rewards vs risks (e.g. potential gain of goods without paying vs risk of being caught).
Planning and premeditation further support the idea of rational decision making in criminal acts.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and Behavioral Activation System (BAS)

Biosocial criminologists link ANS (regulates physiological functions) and BAS (linked to brain's reward system) to criminal behavior.
Less responsive ANS (lower physiological arousal/fear) might make individuals insensitive to potential consequences of actions, increasing risk.
Overactive BAS (strong drive to seek rewards) can increase impulsivity, potentially leading to criminal behavior.

Biosocial Theories & Offender Prevention/Treatment

Early intervention to address risk factors in childhood (attachment, low arousal, impulsivity).
Personalized treatment approaches for varying biological predispositions.
Supportive social environments, addressing social factors causing criminal behavior.

Patterson's model emphasizes family dynamics, and early childhood experiences shaping antisocial behavior. Ineffective parenting is central.
Moffitt's model distinguishes between LCP offenders (early-onset antisocial behavior throughout life) and AL offenders (adolescence-limited).

W.E.B. Du Bois and the Intersection of Race and Crime

W.E.B. Du Bois highlighted how systemic racism, poverty, and social exclusion contributed to higher crime rates in Black communities.
He argued that crime amongst African Americans was not due to inherent racial characteristics but social and economic circumstances.

Critical Race Theory (CRT)

CRT analyzes how race and racism intersect with other forms of social stratification to impact criminal justice experiences.
It examines institutional racism as the systemic disadvantage within institutions toward people of color.

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Description

This quiz explores the application of criminological theories to white-collar crime, focusing on Strain Theory and Social Learning Theory. It also delves into the historical context of conservative criminology and its origins in response to social changes during the 1960s and 70s.