Question 1

In regard to the conflict theory of white-collar crime, which of the following statements based on propositions outlined to show how powerful classes exert their power to define behavior as criminal, is true?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory suggests that crime is a construct created by those in power to maintain control and serve their interests, aligning with the idea that crime is created by authorities in a politically organized society.

Question 2

Which of the following is not focused on an explanation of corporate crime?

Accepted Answer

The values promoted within an organization are more about the ethical climate or culture rather than an explanation of corporate crime, which typically involves structural, procedural, or pressure-related factors.

Question 3

In regards to explaining corporate crimes, what is one aspect the organizational processes focus on?

Accepted Answer

Organizational processes focus on how pressures from employers, such as demands for performance or unethical practices, can lead to employees committing crimes to meet those demands or conform to the organizational culture.

Question 4

When Green highlighted four steps that he felt led to embezzlement, what idea was he unknowingly demonstrating?

Accepted Answer

Green was unknowingly demonstrating the integration of theories by highlighting steps that lead to embezzlement, which suggests a combination of different theoretical perspectives to explain white-collar crime.

Question 5

What does the systems theory focus on?

Accepted Answer

Systems theory focuses on how changes in one system can lead to changes in another, potentially leading to crime, emphasizing the interconnectedness of systems.

Question 6

Critics of the cultural theory of white-collar crime argue that crime is far rarer than it would actually be if culture was a true cause of crime.

Accepted Answer

Critics suggest that if culture were a true cause of white-collar crime, such crimes would be more prevalent, as cultural influences are widespread.

Question 7

The self-control theory of white-collar crime relies on swift and guaranteed punishments.

Accepted Answer

The self-control theory of white-collar crime posits that individuals commit crimes due to a lack of self-control, rather than the certainty or swiftness of punishment.

Question 8

Although life course theory is not used to examine white-collar crime, one researcher suggests that workplace misconduct committed by young people may connect to how such individuals behave in the workplace when they are older.

Accepted Answer

Life course theory is used to examine white-collar crime, but one researcher suggests that workplace misconduct committed by young people may connect to how such individuals behave in the workplace when they are older.

Question 9

The differential association theory of white-collar crime suggests that offenders learn how to commit crimes, but do so for their own reasons and motivations.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The differential association theory of white-collar crime...

Question 10

The control theory of white-collar crime asks why people do commit crimes.

Accepted Answer

The control theory of white-collar crime asks why people do not commit crimes, focusing on the factors that prevent individuals from engaging in criminal behavior.

Question 11

The self-control theory is criticized on grounds of empirical concerns because the theory states that a lack of self-control leads to crime, but white-collar workers have to have some self-control to achieve their status in the first place.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The self-control theory is criticized on grounds...

Question 12

According to gender theory researcher Kathleen Daly, women, who work alone in their offending, commit white-collar crime mostly due to financial need.

Accepted Answer

Kathleen Daly's research suggests that women who commit white-collar crimes alone are primarily motivated by financial need.

Question 13

Corporate crime is more likely to occur in smaller businesses because they see the penalties of getting caught as a mere cost of business.

Accepted Answer

Corporate crime is often more associated with larger corporations due to their significant resources and the complex ways in which they can hide illegal activities. Smaller businesses typically have less capacity to absorb the penalties or legal costs associated with getting caught.

Question 14

Linking together different crime theories is the best method for a full understanding of why white-collar crime occurs.

Accepted Answer

Linking together different crime theories provides a more comprehensive understanding of white-collar crime by addressing its multifaceted nature, including psychological, sociological, and economic factors, thus offering a fuller picture of its causes and mechanisms.

Question 15

Researchers suggest that changes in economic policies developed through legislation can lead to white-collar crime.

Accepted Answer

Economic policies developed through legislation can indeed lead to white-collar crime if they create opportunities for illegal gain, reduce oversight, or inadvertently incentivize unethical behavior among corporations and individuals in positions of power.

Question 16

Based on the institutional anomie theory, list three of the four values Americans are socialized with that actually breed crime.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Based on the institutional anomie theory, list...

Question 17

According to the differential association theory of white-collar crime, describe the three main factors that offenders can learn from their peers.

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to the differential association theory of...

Question 18

Describe the self-control theory of white-collar crime.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the self-control theory of white-collar crime....

Question 19

What unusual question does the control theory of white-collar crime focus on? What answer does the theory provide?

Accepted Answer

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Question 20

List three of the four theories that are typically ignored in terms of white-collar crime, and discuss why they are still prevalent in explaining traditional crimes.

Accepted Answer

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Quiz 12: Explaining White-Collar Crime