social class & crime T10 Flashcards
explaining class differences in crime
- functionalism
- strain theory
- subcultural theory
- labelling theory
- marxism
- neo marxism
explanations of corporate crime
- strain theory
- differential association
- labelling theory
- marxism
Miller - focal concerns (functionalism)
w/c boys socialised into a number of distinct values that meant they were more likely to engage in deviant behaviour
evaluation of functionalists explaining class differences
feminists - masculine values not lower class ones
focal concerns
- excitement
- toughness
- smartness
- trouble
- autonomy
- fate
functionalist approach to class differences in crime
inadequate socialisation into societies shared norms and values
Merton - class differences
legitimate ways to achieve goals are blocked
subcultural theory
Cohen - join deviant subcultures as a response to status frustration
Cloward & Ohlin - subcultures emerge in w/c neighbourhoods
labelling theory - class differences
reject OCS and focus on how and why w/c are labelled criminal
master status & SFP due to stereotypes and media amplification (folk devil)
marxism - class differences
ruling class make laws protecting their interests and criminalise w/c
neo-marxism - class differences
crime is a conscious, meaningful choice with a political motive (rebel against capitalism)
white collar crime
committed by a person of respectability and high social status in the course of their occupation
occupational crime
committed by employees for own personal gain, often against organisation
corporate crime
illegal act that benefits the business
examples of corporate crime
- financial crimes
- crimes against consumers
- crimes against employees
- crimes against environment
- state-corporate crimes
crimes against employees
violations of wage & h&s laws
up to 1,100 work related deaths a year involve employers breaking the law
crimes against consumers
false labelling or unfit goods
e.g. Poly Implant Prothese breast implants
Tombs
corporate crime has enormous costs
- physical
- environmental
- economic
Carrabine
position of high-status professionals gives them the opportunity to abuse trust e.g. tax avoidance scheme by Ernst & Young estimated to cost tax payer over £300million per year
Harold Shipman case
GP convicted for murder of 15 patients
reasons for invisibility of corporate crime
- media (limited coverage reinforces w/c crime problem)
- lack of political will (focus on street crime)
- complexity
- de-labelling (prosecution limited, fines not jail)
- underreporting
explanations of corporate crime
- strain theory
- differential association
- labelling theory
- marxism
crimes of the powerful
- white collar
- corporate
- occupational
Box - strain theory
expands on Merton. If a company can’t achieve its goal of maximising profit by legal means, it may employ illegal ones instead
Clinard & Yeager
law violations by large companies increased as their financial performance deteriorated, suggesting willingness to ‘innovate’ to achieve profit goals
Sutherland - differential association
sees criminal behaviour was learnt from others in a social context. If a company’s culture justifies committing crimes to achieve corporate goals, employees will be socialised into this criminality
Sykes and Matza - differential association
individuals may deviate more easily if they produce ‘techniques of neutralisation’ - claim everyone is doing it
Nelken - labelling theory
businesses and professionals have the power to avoid labelling e.g. afford expensive experts to conceal crimes
Box - marxism
capitalism has created ‘mystification’ - spread ideology that corporate crime is less widespread & harmful than w/c crime. control of state = avoid making & enforcing laws that conflict with its interests
evaluation of marxism & strain theory for explaining corporate crime
Nelken - unrealistic to assume alll businesses offend - need to maintain goodwill of consumers may prevent criminal activity
general evaluation of explaining corporate crime
don’t address crime in non-profit making state agencies e.g. police, army
Braithwaite - evaluation of explaining corporate crime
law abiding may be more profitable than law breaking
