Criminological Theories on White-Collar Crime

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Questions and Answers

What was a significant shift in the U.S. conservative movement in the late 1970s and early 1980s?

The election of Ronald Reagan as President (correct)

The rise of sociological perspectives on crime

The introduction of rehabilitation programs for offenders

The establishment of community policing initiatives

Which of the following best describes conservative criminology?

Emphasizes the role of environmental factors in crime

Advocates for strict punishment to deter crime (correct)

Rejects personal responsibility for crime

Focuses on rehabilitation and societal reintegration

What is a common belief held by conservative criminologists?

Lower education levels do not influence criminal behavior

Economic factors lead to criminality

Crime is primarily caused by social instability

Criminal behavior is a choice made by individuals (correct)

How did the 'war on drugs' fit into the conservative approach to crime control?

It solidified conservative strategies for crime control Signup and view all the answers

What do proponents of the biological perspective believe about IQ and criminality?

Lower IQ may lead to poor decision-making and impulsivity Signup and view all the answers

From a sociological perspective, how is the relationship between IQ and crime understood?

It's explained through social structures and educational failure Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does the psychological perspective focus on regarding IQ and criminality?

The interaction between cognitive abilities and personality traits Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about conservative criminal justice policies is true?

They have led to mandatory minimum sentences and three-strikes laws Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of a less responsive autonomic nervous system (ANS) on individuals?

Lower sensitivity to potential consequences of actions Signup and view all the answers

How does a highly active Behavioral Activation System (BAS) influence behavior?

Encourages immediate gratification and risky actions Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main suggestions of current biosocial theories regarding early intervention?

Mitigating childhood issues to prevent criminal behavior Signup and view all the answers

Why is a one-size-fits-all approach to rehabilitation considered less effective?

Because it does not account for individual differences in biology Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary factor that Patterson's Social-Interactional Developmental model identifies as contributing to antisocial behavior?

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

What type of program might benefit individuals with high impulsivity?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy for impulse control Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes life-course persistent offenders from adolescent-limited offenders in Moffitt's theory?

LCP offenders continue criminal activities throughout their lives Signup and view all the answers

How do effective programs aimed at reducing recidivism address social factors?

By providing stable housing and employment opportunities Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is highlighted as important in biosocial theories for the treatment of offenders?

Addressing both biological and social factors Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of life-course persistent offenders according to Moffitt?

They show neuropsychological deficits Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible outcome of low arousal levels in individuals?

Greater likelihood of risky behaviors Signup and view all the answers

What does Strain Theory suggest about the relationship between societal goals and crime?

Crime results from a disconnect between societal goals and the means to achieve them. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following interventions is suggested by Patterson's model to prevent criminal behavior?

Increasing supervision of childhood activities Signup and view all the answers

Which intervention could be effective for individuals with a less active autonomic nervous system?

Therapy that increases sensitivity to consequences Signup and view all the answers

What key element does Moffitt's theory suggest about adolescent-limited offenders?

They are typically influenced by a need for social status Signup and view all the answers

How might Strain Theory be applied to understand white-collar crime?

It suggests that individuals turn to crime due to intense pressure in corporate environments. Signup and view all the answers

In biosocial theories, what is emphasized as a crucial aspect for crime prevention and treatment?

Understanding the interplay between biological and social factors Signup and view all the answers

Which theory emphasizes the role of social environments in learning criminal behavior?

Social Learning Theory Signup and view all the answers

According to Patterson's model, what parenting practice is considered ineffective and can lead to antisocial behavior?

Lack of supervision Signup and view all the answers

How does Social Learning Theory apply to white-collar crime?

It argues that individuals mimic illegal activities from influenced peers in a corporate environment. Signup and view all the answers

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

Motivated offender, suitable target, absence of capable guardianship Signup and view all the answers

How can Wal-Mart reduce the suitability of targets to prevent shoplifting?

Using security tags on high-value merchandise Signup and view all the answers

What does Critical Race Theory primarily examine in relation to the criminal justice system?

The intersection of race and racism with social stratification Signup and view all the answers

What historical context influenced the emergence of conservative criminology?

The decline of traditional authority and social norms. Signup and view all the answers

Who are considered key proponents of Critical Race Theory?

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

What was a significant societal change that resulted in a demand for effective crime control measures?

The civil rights movement and anti-war protests. Signup and view all the answers

What is an effective strategy to deter motivated offenders at Wal-Mart?

Implementing visible security measures like cameras Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Routine Activities Theory, how does the absence of capable guardianship affect victimization?

It increases the chances of a crime occurring Signup and view all the answers

What can lead to criminal behavior in high-pressure corporate environments according to Strain Theory?

The pressure to meet financial targets and maintain status. Signup and view all the answers

According to Critical Race Theory, how is racism characterized within society?

As deeply embedded in legal and social structures Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best summarizes the application of criminological theories to both street and white-collar crime?

Motivations and learning processes behind crime are similar across both types. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions can help mitigate risks of victimization in poorly lit areas?

Increasing street lighting Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'institutional racism' refer to in the context of Critical Race Theory?

Policies and practices systematically disadvantaging people of color Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary goals of Counter-storytelling within Critical Race Theory?

To highlight experiences of marginalized groups Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for employees at Wal-Mart to be proactive in monitoring customer behavior?

To identify potential shoplifters before they act Signup and view all the answers

How does Critical Race Theory aim to address systemic inequalities?

By advocating for transformative change Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended intervention to support capable guardianship in a neighborhood to reduce victimization?

Increasing the number of street lights Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a suitable target in the context of Routine Activities Theory?

A person walking alone in a secluded or poorly-lit area Signup and view all the answers

What impact does Critical Race Theory suggest laws have on Black communities?

They disproportionately benefit White individuals Signup and view all the answers

What role does Critical Race Theory attribute to the voices of marginalized groups?

They are central to understanding systemic racism Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Criminological Theories Applied to White-Collar Crime

Strain Theory, developed by Robert Merton, posits that crime arises from a disconnect between societal goals and available means. Individuals in high-pressure corporate environments may engage in fraud or embezzlement due to intense pressure to meet financial targets or maintain a luxurious lifestyle.
Social Learning Theory, proposed by Albert Bandura, suggests that criminal behavior is learned through association with others. In white-collar crime, unethical behavior can be normalized or rewarded within a corporate culture, encouraging individuals to adopt similar behaviors.

Historical Context of Conservative Criminology

Conservative criminology emerged in response to social upheavals and rising crime rates in the 1960s and 1970s.
This period saw changes in Western cultures and questioning of traditional authority.
Crime rates increases caused public insecurity and demand for effective crime control.
The conservative movement gained momentum in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with the election of Ronald Reagan, who emphasized law and order.

Impact of IQ on Criminality

Biological perspective: Lower IQ may be linked to a higher propensity for criminal behavior due to impaired cognitive abilities, poor decision-making, and difficulty controlling impulses.
Sociological perspective: Lower IQ may be linked to social factors such as educational and occupational failure, leading to frustration and economic hardship potentially leading to crime.
Psychological Perspective: Lower IQ may make individuals more susceptible to developing antisocial personality traits or difficulty in social interactions leading to social isolation and risk of criminal activity.
Developmental perspective: IQ interacts with developmental factors over the life course, influencing the likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior.

Broken Windows Theory

Broken Windows theory, proposed by Wilson and Kelling, suggests that visible signs of disorder (e.g., broken windows, graffiti) can lead to an increase in crime.
The absence of response to minor signs of disorder signals a lack of community policing and encouragement to more serious crimes.
Policy implications include zero-tolerance policing, focused on strict enforcement of all laws, including minor offenses, and community policing through collaborative efforts to address disorder and crime.
Urban renewal projects can enhance community pride and reduce crime opportunities.

Epistemic Coup

Epistemic coup refers to a fundamental shift in how knowledge is produced, controlled, and used within society.
Shoshana Zuboff outlines four stages:
- Incursion: Initial penetration of technologies gathering data in unprecedented ways.
- Habituation: Society becomes accustomed to data-gathering practices.
- Adaptation: Individuals and institutions adapt to the new reality.
- Redefinition: Societal norms and values are redefined.

Routine Activities Theory

Routine Activities Theory suggests the likelihood of crime is influenced by the convergence of a motivated offender, suitable target, and absence of capable guardianship.
This theory can be applied to understanding victimization by analyzing daily routines and behaviors that increase risk.
Specific examples were given to explore potential avenues for reducing shoplifting.

Rational Choice Theory

Rational Choice Theory posits that criminals weigh the potential benefits and consequences of their actions before committing a crime.
Criminal behavior is viewed through the lens of rational choices, emphasizing the calculated decisions based on perceived risks and rewards.

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

ANS regulates involuntary physiological functions. A less responsive ANS might lead to a decreased fear response, increasing likelihood of criminal behavior.
BAS is linked to the reward system, a highly active BAS can lead to increased impulsivity.
Interactions between ANS and BAS and their impact to criminal behavior.

Biosocial Theories & Implications for Prevention and Treatment

Current biosocial theories highlight the importance of early intervention to address risk factors such as low attachment, impulsivity.
This requires the provision of mental health support, improved parenting, and early childhood education.
Personalized treatment approaches tailored to individuals 'biological predispositions are needed.
Social environments such as housing, and supportive social networks can reduce re-offending.

Patterson's model emphasizes ineffective parenting practices leading to escalating antisocial behavior.
Moffitt's theory distinguishes between life-course persistent (LCP) offenders who exhibit antisocial behavior early and adolescent-limited (AL) offenders whose offenses are primarily in adolescence.
Both theories highlight the importance of early experiences and environmental influences in shaping criminal behavior.

W.E.B. Du Bois

Du Bois highlighted the complex relationship between race and crime, arguing that crime rates in Black communities were a result of systemic racism, economic deprivation, and social exclusion.
His work challenged prevailing racist notions of individual pathology.
Emphasized social, economic, and racial structural factors.

Critical Race Theory (CRT)

CRT examines how race and racism intersect with other forms of social stratification (e.g., class, gender), influencing experiences, such as within the criminal justice system.
Institutional racism is a central tenet in CRT, where policies, practices, and procedures disadvantage people of color.
CRT emphasizes counter-storytelling to challenge dominant discourses and highlight realities of racial injustice.

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Description

Explore the application of key criminological theories to white-collar crime, including Merton's Strain Theory and Bandura's Social Learning Theory. Understand how societal pressures and corporate culture contribute to unethical behaviors in the business world. Delve into the historical context of conservative criminology, which emerged during periods of social upheaval and rising crime rates.