The Capitalist Perspective of White-Collar Crime

Reference 

Purpose 

Method 

Sample 

Findings 

Themes 

Similarities 

To determine the role that social status plays in the type of white-collar crime committed 

Literature review 

1,142 fraud cases 

There is a clear difference between the crimes committed by low-level employee and senior executives. 

Researcher observed that low-level employee tended to engage in asset misappropriation and corruption. On the other hand, such crimes as fraudulent statements were mostly committed by individuals who occupy positions of authority, status and influence. 

White-collar crime occurred mostly in large, for-profit organizations. 

Corruption was mostly prevalent in large organization. 

Misappropriation and fraud were more common in smaller organization. 

The effect of status on white-collar crimes 

Profile of organizational setting facilitating white collar crime 

The differences in the occurrence of various forms of white collar crime in different organizational settings. 

This study echoes the findings by Engdahl (2009), regarding the influence of social status on white collar crime. 

Findings are also in line with the Gottschalk and Rundmo (2014) concerning the protection that organizations offer corporate white collar criminals. 

The article is also in line with the sentiments expressed in the article by Menard et al. (2011) who also established the damaging impacts of white collar crime and the role that the status of the perpetrator plays. 

This study is the first of its kind to examine the difference between the crimes that low-ranking employees commit and those perpetrated by senior executives. 

Researchers set out to define white collar crime, to outline its significance, and to identify the factors fueling white collar crime. 

Expert opinion based on literature review. 

Not stated 

White collar crime entails a wide range of activities that include violation of trust, con games, business crimes, and personal crimes. 

The cost of white collar-crimes and the impact that they have on organizational credibility are what make these crimes significant. 

White collar crime is becoming more prevalent as individuals are able to easily develop the skills needed to commit these crimes. 

White collar crime can only be fully understand when such issues as its impacts on victims, effective prevention strategies, and the cost to society, among others, are thoroughly examined. 

White collar crime definition. 

Negative impacts of white collar crime. 

Correlates of white collar crime. 

The cost that society incurs as it grapples with white collar crime. 

Strategies for tackling white collar crime. 

Cliff and Wall-Parker confirm the fears expressed by Friedrichs (2009) that white collar crime is becoming more prevalent and has negative consequences. 

Menard et al. (2011), Gottschalk and Rundmo (2014) are among scholars who confirm that white collar crime is a growing problem that society must combat. 

Study identifies the changes in the modern workplace as among the factors driving white collar crime. 

Engdahl wished to determine how the positions that white collar criminals occupy within their organizations provide them with the opportunity to commit white collar crime. 

Application of theory to white collar crime in the real world. 

Not applicable 

Most white collar criminals occupy positions of influence that gives them the authority to commit crimes. 

Moreover, these individuals have networks that allow them to commit the crimes and to conceal their involvement in the crimes. 

Perpetrators of white collar crime establish barriers through which they prevent others from discovering their crimes. 

Social status and white collar crime. 

The role that status plays in hampering discovery and the eradication of white collar crime. 

This study’s findings are essentially similar to those of the study conducted by Holtfreter (2005) who determined that individuals of high social status are behind most white collar crimes. 

Alalehto (2015) confirms that most white collar criminals are respected individuals who occupy positions of influence. 

Engdahl recognizes that white collar criminals leverage their social networks to shield themselves against legal action. His is the only study that acknowledges the effect of social networks. 

To establish the spread and the factors that influence the perpetration of crimes of trust. 

Multiple-cohort sequential design. 

2,360 youth 

Embezzlement, forgery and fraud are among the most common types of white collar crime. 

The type of white-collar crime committed varies by the age of the perpetrator. 

Crimes of trust more rampant in adulthood compared to conventional crimes. 

Males who struggle with alcohol addiction are more likely to commit crimes of trust. 

Relationship between age and type of white collar crime committed. 

The role of substance abuse in white collar crime. 

Prevalence of different types of white collar crime. 

This study shares similarities with that authored by Schoepfer and Piquero (2006) in that these researcher also acknowledge that in order to fully understand white collar crime, one needs to consider the various traits that define the individuals who perpetrate these crimes. 

The research examines the demographic characteristics of perpetrator of white collar crime. 

To establish if there is a difference in the sentences handed down for white collar crime committed by occupational criminals and those perpetrated by corporate criminals. 

Examining newspaper articles for information regarding sentences for white collar and conventional crimes. 

305 convicts 

There was a difference in the lengths of the sentence and the amount of fine imposed. 

The prison sentence and fine disparity can be linked to the amount stolen by white collar criminals; higher amounts yielded longer prison sentence and higher fine. 

Corporate criminals served shorter sentences. 

It appears that an organization insulates those who commit crimes on its behalf. 

Length of prison sentences and fines for different crimes. 

Factors responsible for differences in penalties. 

The protection that companies offers to perpetrator who commit crimes that benefit the companies. 

Gottschalk and Rundmo are not alone in their determination that such factors as one’s position influences their likelihood of engaging in white collar crime. They are joined by Choo and Tan (n.d) who also observed that white collar crime is more prevalent among those in positions of trust and influence. 

This study makes it clear that individuals who steal in the name of their organizations are likely to be shielded from harsh punishment. 

To highlight how intense competition in capitalist markets sets the stage for the commission of crime. 

To identify the market features that allow white collar crime to occur. 

Commentary 

Not applicable 

In some cases, white collar crime is committed to serve the common good. 

Capitalist competition is among main forces behind white collar crime. 

White collar crime is more prevalent in highly-competitive capitalist markets. 

White-collar crime is often committed in a quest to survive in the stiffly-competitive capitalist markets. 

The role of capitalism in white collar crime. 

The motivations that inspire white collar criminals. 

The link between political economy and white collar crime. 

There is an overlap in the discussion that Braithwaite offers and the insights that Block (2008) shares. Both scholars recognize that the capitalist system is partly to blame for white collar crime as it encourages unhealthy competition and rewards criminal behavior. 

Braithwaite is the only researcher who suggests that some of those who commit white collar crime do so with the goal of benefiting others. Nearly all other researcher s are of the view that all white collar criminals are driven by greed and selfish interests. 

Patomaki’s objective was to outline the interactions of capitalism and politics and to show that greed and relentless pursuit of profit in capitalist systems encourages criminal behavior. 

Review of text 

1 text ( Capitalism by Shaik) 

Capitalism is underlain by class struggle and defined by pursuit of profits. 

The quest for optimal outcomes underlies white collar crime. 

The capitalist model is deeply flawed as it promotes evil. 

Features of capitalist market structure. 

Association between white collar crime and the capitalist market model. 

In his article, Patomaki contends that capitalist market models set the stage for white collar crime. Block (2008) agrees that the lack of strict regulation in capitalist markets encourage white collar criminals. 

Gerber, Jensen and Fritsch (1996) agree that lack of stringent regulation is fanning white collar crime. 

Patomaki’s is the only study which links capitalism to social struggles and attempts to blame this market structure for the ills plaguing society. 

To determine the actions undertaken by government authorities to tackle white collar crime. 

Scholars also sought to establish public response to and media coverage of white collar crime. 

Expert opinion borrowing from existing literature. 

Not stated. 

The public and the media were slow to respond to incidences of white collar crime. 

Government authorities did not act in time as they faced pressure from organizations to refrain from investigating white collar crime. 

White collar crime remains prevalent because of inadequate and slow government response and lack of action from the public and the media. 

Deregulation and expansion of insurance coverage are among factors to blame for the increase in white collar crime. 

Governemnt interventions to tackle white collar crime. 

Public attitudes regarding white collar crime. 

Media coverage of white collar crime. 

Factors fueling white collar crime. 

Gerber, Jensen and Fritsch determined that failure by government authorities to act in good time is partly to blame for white collar crime. This perspective is shared by Simpson (2008) who after examining the measures that organizations have adopted concludes that these measures have largely been ineffective. 

This is the only study that identifies the measures instituted by states in response to white collar crime incidents with devastating consequences. 

To establish the role that the desire for material success has on the perpetration of white collar crime among Americans. 

Comparing data on white collar crime with statistics on education levels, state of the economy, family structures and participation in electoral exercises. 

Not stated 

Perpetration of white collar crime is directly related to educational attainment, unemployment and participation in elections. 

There is a link between the desire to attain material success and involvement in white collar crime. 

The interactions of white collar crime with economy, polity and unemployment. 

Greed and the desperate pursuit of material wealth drive individuals into white collar crime. 

This study is similar to the one that Menard et al. (2011) conducted. Both studies show that there are multiple and complex factors that influence the commission of white collar crime. 

Alahleto (2012), Corcoran et al. (2012) agree that white collar crime is a complex issue that can be linked to the obsession with material success. 

Unlike previous research which examined criminal behavior in general, this study focused on white collar crime. 

To challenge the popular notion that women’s involvement in white collar crime is limited. 

Literature review. 

Not stated. 

Historically, women have been among the primary victims of white collar crime. 

Perpetrators tend to target women because they are considered more vulnerable. 

It appears that the media has not highlighted white collar crime committed by women. 

How the vulnerability of women exposes them to falling victim to white collar crime. 

Portrayal of female white collar criminals in the media. 

Robb’s study is entirely unique as it is the only one which focuses on how women are vulnerable to white collar crime. However, his discussion echoes the themes in the article by Alalehto (2015) who offered insights on the link between the gender and the perpetration of white collar crime. 

This is the only study which highlights the vulnerability of women and notes that criminals exploit this vulnerability. 

Block aimed to show that capitalism is the result of laissez-fair policies and measures aimed at promoting free trade. 

He also sought to 

Essay offering expert opinion. 

Not applicable. 

Capitalism represents the nexus of laissez fair policies and the free trade movement. 

A combination of these policies is needed to ensure the smooth operation of markets, thereby tackling such ills as white collar crime. 

Capitalism 

Protectionist economic policies. 

Laissez faire policies. 

Block suggests that capitalist market structures create an environment that encourage white collar crime. This suggestion is also found in the texts by Gerber, Jensen and Frisch (1996), Patomaki (2017) and Gottschalk and Rundmo (2014). All these researcher share the view that highly competitive capitalist markets promote white collar crime. 

Study is the only one that traces the development of capitalism. However, the study is largely similar to others which have sought to establish a relationship between capitalism, greed and white collar crime. . 

To identify white-collar crime prevention controls and knowledge gaps in existing literature 

Literature review 

Not stated 

Punitive approaches intended to deter, strict enforcement of laws and persuasion are some of the control measures that firms have adopted. These controls have varying levels of effectiveness. 

The prevalence of white collar crime varies by industry type and is most rampant in the financial services industry. 

White-collar crime prevention. 

Disparities in white collar crime across industries. 

Gaps in existing literature. 

Factors driving white-collar crime. 

There is consensus between Simpson (2011), Alalehto (2015), Schoepfer and Piquero (2006) concerning the fact that there are disparities in the perpetration of white collar crime. These disparities are driven by such factors as social status. 

This study identifies knowledge gaps, thereby challenging the research community to investigate white collar crime further. 

To profile white collar criminals in terms of demography, motivation and career criminality. 

Literature review. 

Not stated. 

Most white collar criminals are in the 40-45 age bracket. 

These criminals are mostly from the majority ethnic or racial group in a country. 

Most criminals are married. 

A majority of the criminals are employed and receive regular income. 

Most criminals have high social status. 

Greed and neurotic personality among factors motivating white collar criminals. 

Few white collar criminals are of the career type. 

The relationship between white collar crime, race, marital status, social status. 

The role of greed and personality in encouraging white collar crime. 

Alalehto is not alone in asserting that greed is one of the factors that inspires white collar criminals. This position is shared by Patomaki (2017) and Menard et al. (2011). 

His findings are also supported by Corcoran et al. (2012) who noted that there is a link between greed and white collar crime. 

Alalehto is the only scholar who confirms that greed plays a role in white collar crime. 

To provide a definition of white collar crime and to identify the issues that underlie this crime. 

Literature review 

Not stated. 

The anticipation of financial gain, delinquency, and breach of trust are some of the factors that define white collar crime. 

Morality of white collar crime. 

Public perception and white collar crime. 

Factors shaping white collar crime. 

This study established that the public generally regards white collar crime as victimless. Essentially, the study is in line with the observation by Gerber, Jensen and Frisch (1996) that lack of public anger basically encourage white collar crime. 

Berghoff and Spiekermann are the only researcher who explore the relationship between delinquency an white collar crime. 

Analysis of such literature as CIA World Factbook and Economic Freedom of the World Project 

51 countries 

Communities which are deeply religious find white collar crime to be unacceptable. 

There is a positive relationship between belief in an impersonal or amoral god and endorsement or involvement in white collar crime. 

White collar crime and religiosity. 

There is no other study that offers insights on the impact of religion. However, this study confirms the sentiment by Gerber, Jensen and Frisch (1996) that white collar crime has become increasingly prevalent and that enough is not being done to tackle it. 

This source echoes the assertion by Alalehto (2015) that white collar crime is the result of a desperate desire for material wealth. 

This is the only study that examines the influence of religion on perception and perpetration of white collar crime. 

Using the broken trust theory to shed light on white collar crime. 

Application of theory to white collar crime. 

Not applicable 

White collar criminals leverage their positions of influence and trust. 

Agency theory, stewardship theory and broken trust theory are among the models that allow for deeper insights on white collar crime to be gained. 

Executives exploit their authority to violate regulations. 

Executives justify white collar crime. 

White collar crime, opportunities and rationalization. 

Choo and Tan are in agreement with Berghoff and Spiekermann (2018) regarding how white collar criminals violate the trust of their organizations and the general public. 

This study is isolated as it is the only one which applies the broken trust theory. 

This text offers an overview of white collar crime and the role that trust plays. 

Wide-ranging exploration of various aspects of white collar crime including motivations for white collar crime and the role of policing. 

Not applicable 

White collar crime is one of the most pressing challenges that contemporary society faces. 

Interventions have largely been ineffective. 

The media has failed to shed adequate light on the extent and damage caused by white collar crime. 

It is important to protect whistleblowers. 

As technology undergoes increasing adoption, white collar crime is likely to become more prevalent. 

White collar crime causes, impacts and interventions. 

Role of the media in white collar crime. 

Technology and whit e collar crime. 

There are similarities between this text’s themes and the issues addressed by Cliff and Wall-Parker (2017). All these scholars agree that white collar crime hurts an economy and is becoming a serious problem that requires urgent interventions. 

The uniqueness of this text lies in its effort to link white collar crime to the modern marketplace. By doing this, the article creates a sense of urgency and allows readers to understand that contrary to the commonly held belief that white collar crime is victimless, economies suffer as a result of this type of crime.