Criminological Theories on White-Collar Crime

Crime results when societal aspirations exceed available legitimate means.

High-pressure environments, intense targets, and lavish lifestyles can motivate fraud/embezzlement.

Crime is learned through interactions with others, especially in groups.

Corporate culture and peer pressure influence unethical behavior.

1960s and 1970s social upheavals, increased crime, and political changes stimulated the field.

Significant cultural and political changes in Western societies like Civil Rights and anti-war protests.

Criminological approach developed during the turbulent period reacting to social unrest and increased crime rates.

Crimes committed by individuals in positions of power/authority.

The relationship between intellectual capacity and criminal behavior is a complex and debated topic.

This theory suggests lower IQ may increase the risk of crime due to impaired cognitive abilities, leading to poor decision-making and impulse control.

This view argues that societal factors, like poverty and lack of opportunity, influence the relationship between IQ and crime.

This approach focuses on the interplay between cognitive abilities and personality traits, suggesting that low IQ may interact with personality factors to increase crime risk.

Lower IQ may lead to trouble understanding consequences, solving problems, and controlling impulses, ultimately increasing crime risk.

Lower IQ can contribute to educational and occupational failure, leading to social disadvantage and frustration, potentially fueling criminal activity.

Low IQ combined with personality traits (impulsivity, aggression) may increase the likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior.

This theory suggests that crime occurs when three elements converge: a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of capable guardianship.

A person or object that is vulnerable and attractive to a potential criminal.

Anything or anyone that can deter a crime, such as security cameras, police, or bystanders.

This theory can be used to understand and prevent victims by examining their routines and behaviours that may increase their risk of victimization.

Routine Activities Theory can be applied to reducing shoplifting by targeting the three elements: motivated offenders, suitable targets, and lack of capable guardianship.

Reduce shoplifting by implementing visible security measures, displaying signs about prosecution, and creating a psychological deterrent.

Reduce shoplifting by using security tags, placing high-value items in secure locations, and making merchandise less attractive to steal.

Reduce shoplifting by increasing the presence of employees on the sales floor, training them to be vigilant, and making sure there are enough security personnel.

The degree to which a person's autonomic nervous system reacts to stressors, impacting their arousal levels and fear response.

Individuals with less reactive ANS might feel less fear and be less sensitive to consequences, potentially leading to risky behavior.

The Behavioral Activation System (BAS) is linked to the brain's reward system. It motivates us to seek out pleasurable experiences.

A highly active BAS can lead to impulsivity. Individuals might act without thinking about the consequences, seeking immediate rewards.

This theory suggests that both biological factors (like our ANS or BAS) and social influences (like upbringing and environment) contribute to criminal behavior.

Biosocial theories emphasize the importance of early intervention, tackling risk factors in childhood (like low arousal) to prevent future criminal behavior.

Biosocial theories call for tailored treatment plans for offenders, recognizing individual differences in biological factors.

A positive social environment (family, community) can play a vital role in helping offenders reintegrate and reduce future criminality.

A theory examining how race and racism intertwine with other social inequalities, like class and gender, to influence the experiences of people of color, especially within the criminal justice system.

The way policies, procedures and practices within institutions systematically disadvantage people of color.

Critical Race Theory examines how the criminal justice system, including laws, policing, sentencing, and other aspects, disproportionately impact Black individuals and communities.

Sharing narratives and experiences of marginalized groups to challenge dominant discourses and highlight the realities of racial injustice.

Critical Race Theory aims to reveal the hidden mechanisms of systemic oppression and advocate for transformative change.

CRT focuses on understanding how race and racism shape the experiences of Black individuals within the criminal justice system.

Amplifying the voices of those most affected by systemic racism helps to address and dismantle inequalities.

Critical Race Theory calls for a critical examination of institutional practices and policies to address and dismantling systemic inequalities.

This model emphasizes how family dynamics and early childhood experiences contribute to the development of antisocial behavior. Ineffective parenting, like inconsistent discipline or lack of supervision, can lead to aggression and antisocial behavior in children.

This theory distinguishes between two types of offenders: those with persistent criminal behavior throughout their lives and those who engage in delinquency primarily during adolescence. It suggests that early neuropsychological deficits and negative environmental conditions can lead to persistent criminal behavior.

These practices, like inconsistent discipline, lack of supervision, or poor communication, can contribute to the development of antisocial behavior in children. The model suggests that improving parenting skills can help prevent the emergence of criminal behavior.

These offenders exhibit antisocial behavior from a young age and continue to engage in criminal activities throughout their lives. Their behavior is often attributed to a combination of neuropsychological deficits and adverse environmental conditions.

These offenders engage in delinquent behavior primarily during adolescence. Their actions are often influenced by a desire for autonomy and social status among peers. Typically, their criminal behavior diminishes as they transition into adulthood and take on conventional roles.

These are problems with brain function that can influence behavior, including impulsivity, poor decision-making, and difficulty controlling emotions. They can contribute to persistent criminal behavior in some individuals.

This focuses on addressing potential risk factors early in life, particularly within the family environment, to prevent the development of criminal behavior. Early intervention can help improve parenting skills and address potential neuropsychological deficits.

These include aspects of the social environment like family dynamics, peer influences, and community resources that can contribute to the development of criminal behavior. Addressing these factors is crucial for effective crime prevention and treatment.