Crimes of the Powerful

Question 1

What did Sutherland theorise?

Answer 1

White-collar crime is “a crime committed by a person of respectability and high social status in the course of their occupation”, tried to show that crime was not just a WC phenomenon, but instead widespread.

Question 2

What is Occupational crime?

Answer 2

Crimes committed by employees for their own personal gain, often against who they work for. E.g: overcharging customers, fraud.

Question 3

What is Corporate crime?

Answer 3

Crimes committed by or on behalf of large companies, directly profiting the company rather than individuals. This is motivated by the desire to increase profits.

• Crimes against consumers = false advertising, e.g Tesco’s horse meat.
• Employees = not paying required wages, health/safety violations, e.g: Amazon extreme weather scandal.
• Environment = Damage to environment caused by negligence or deliberately, e.g Chernobyl.
• State corporate crime = committed when Govt. or businesses work together to pursue their goals.

Question 4

Why is white-collar and corporate crime underrepresented in crime statistics?

Answer 4

• Hard to detect, appear to be doing their ‘normal’ jobs and is covered up.
• Often involves powerful people who can negotiate with the Government. E.g: middle-classes bribing police.
• Lack of awareness a crime has been committed, goes unreported. E.g: green crime, card fraud (little amounts being taken out).
• Institutional protection means they are often not prosecuted.

Question 5

Evaluation:

Answer 5

Since the financial crisis of 2008, corporate crime has become more visible. Campaigns against corporate tax avoidance, investigative journalism, etc.

Question 6

Example of crimes of the powerful:

Answer 6

Apple admitted to intentionally slowing down older iPhones through software updates in 2017. The company claimed it was to prevent unexpected shutdowns, but faced criticism and lawsuits for not being honest with consumers.

Question 7

What are the explanations for white-collar and corporate crime?

Answer 7

Strain Theory = ‘Innovate’ to achieve profit goals.

Marxism = Normal functioning of capitalism; a way to keep the MC rich.

Labelling Theory = Re-labelling by affording expensive products/experts.

Differential Association = Behaviour is learnt from others in a social context.

Edgework = Thrill seeking.