Does General Strain Theory Explain White-collar Crime

Does general strain theory explain white-collar crime?

However, this paper argues that, as a matter of fact, strain theory is very accurate when it comes to explaining white-collar crime… This paper defines the term white-collar crime and gives an overview of strain theory.

What are the theories related to white-collar crime?

The theories relevant to the study of white collar crime are Labeling Theory, Deterrence Theory, and Conflict Theory. Labeling Theory is applicable because white collar criminals are clearly labeled as just that, which is very different from a typical violent criminal.

What is Merton strain theory and white-collar crime?

What is this? Merton’s Strain Theory posits that the cultural emphasis on wealth attainment in the American Dream creates strain for lower-class individuals who lack legitimate means to get ahead, which can lead to deviant behavior as they pursue success through crime.

Does general strain theory explain all crimes?

While no single theory is capable of explaining all crime, GST covers a broad range of behaviors, relationships, and outside influences. Agnew, R. (1992). Foundation for a general strain theory of crime and delinquency.

Which theory best explains white-collar crime and why?

Rational Choice Theory, created by Cesare Beccaria in 1764, explains white collar crime as a life of balancing choices and choosing the one with the most reward. Although Beccaria is best known for his work on the death penalty, he contended that crimes are committed through making rational choices.

What is an example of a general strain theory case?

Examples of General Strain Theory are people who use illegal drugs to make themselves feel better, or a student assaulting his peers to end the harassment they caused.

Why is it called white-collar crime?

White-collar crimes get their name from the fact that they are usually committed by white-collar workers taking advantage of their position within a company or government agency to extract some financial gain. Some of the most common examples of white-collar crime include: Insider trading. Money laundering.

Who gave the theory of white-collar crime?

The term “white-collar crime” was coined in the 1930s by sociologist and criminologist Edwin Sutherland. He used the phrase to describe the types of crimes commonly committed by “persons of respectability” – people who are recognized as possessing a high social status.

Which theory is most prominent in studying white-collar crime?

Sutherland’s research on white-collar crime is based on his own differential association theory. This learning theory of deviance focuses on how individuals learn to become criminals . Differential association theory assumes that criminal behavior is learned in interaction with other persons.

What is an example of a strain theory crime?

For example, individuals experiencing chronic unemployment may engage in theft or drug selling to obtain money, seek revenge against the person who fired them, or take illicit drugs in an effort to feel better.

What is the strain theory by Robert Merton?

Robert Merton’s strain theory According to Merton, social inequality can sometimes create situations in which people experience a strain between the goals they should be working towards (such as financial success) and the legitimate means they have available to meet those goals.

What is an example of strain theory of criminal behavior?

Robert Merton’s strain theory states that acceptance or rejection of cultural goals and/or institutionalized means of achieving those goals are the determining factors of crime. For example, one who accepts the goal of wealth but cannot get a legal job will turn to illegal means of earning money.

What are general strain theories?

Agnew’s general strain theory now acknowledges that events which are perceived to be especially negative by those who experience them are positively correlated with a greater likelihood of criminal behavior (Agnew & Froggio, 2007). Strain theory has been used to explain a variety of criminal phenomenon.

Who invented general strain theory?

General strain theory (GST) is a theory of criminology developed by Robert Agnew. General strain theory has gained a significant amount of academic attention since being developed in 1992.

What are the principles of general strain theory?

General strain theory (GST) argues that strains or stressors increase the likelihood of negative emotions like anger and frustration. These emotions create pressure for corrective action, and crime is one possible response (Agnew 1992).

What crimes does strain theory explain?

For example, individuals experiencing chronic unemployment may engage in theft or drug selling to obtain money, seek revenge against the person who fired them, or take illicit drugs in an effort to feel better.

What theory did Sutherland use to explain white-collar and all other forms of crime?

His differential association theory considers crime a way of life derived from a person’s attachment to groups for whom criminal acts are a measure of success and a way of life. He is known for applying this theory to criminal behavior within occupational groups (white-collar crime).

How does general strain theory explain homicide?

General strain theory suggests that men and women who kill an intimate partner experience different types of strain and emotions, and that homicide occurs in response to these experiences.