respond the the following 2 discussion posts:
1 – The theory that can best be utilized to explain white-collar offenses committed by middle and upper-class offenders is the rational choice theory. This theory operates under the idea that crime is explained in terms of a cost-benefit analysis that is conducted by the offender. It holds that the offender will mentally weigh the benefits of committing a crime against the potential consequences for being caught for committing the crime. The formulation of this thought process can be clearly shown in the case of many white-collar crimes.
Examples of some white-collar crimes are embezzlement, tax evasion, corporate fraud or money laundering. In each of these crimes, there is a definitive level of thought that goes into the commission of the crime. The benefit of committing these crimes is clear to the offender, in that there is some sort of financial gain to be had. Conversely, the ramifications of committing these crimes are also clear to those who commit them. It would be hard to contend that any business owner or citizen engaged in these types of white-collar crimes such as tax evasion or money laundering would not already understand the consequences attached to crimes if they are in fact committing these crimes. These crimes, that is to say, do not occur by accident. There is a very particular level of deliberate thought put into their commission, and in this thought, the benefits and consequences are undoubtably weighed out.
2 – Most of the theories presented in this week’s unit are constructed to explain offenses in the lower class. Which of these theories can best explain the white-collar offenses that the middle- and upper-class offenders have perpetrated? After reading chapter 9 of this weeks required readings, I believe conflict theory best explains white collar offenses that middle and upper class offenders have perpetrated. In essence, conflict theory is people who are have social and economic power ultimately conduct criminal behavior and use laws and regulations to protect their assets. People of wealth will do what ever they can at all cost to retain their wealth by suppressing the poor and people without power. For example, I am a billionaire and I own one of the largest banking franchises in the world. The worlds economic systems allowed my banks to evade government oversight and allowed my franchise to take massive risks within the banking industry. It was inevitable my franchise failed miserably; However, the government still assisted my bank franchise with cash bail outs due to the fact my franchise had insufficient funds for many programs my franchise invested inn. My bank got the help and the lower class received no help. I also as the franchise owner can capitalize financially against those who work for me. I have people who work many days, work long hours and get paid very little. Within their own paystub I can embezzle money from them to help me protect and maintain my interest and power through wealth. Yes it is a crime to create hidden fees to gain wealth; however, there are already many laws set in place for so long my employers would never question their pay. The employers would all share the same experience and when one employer questions their fees paid to my franchise, another employer would just simply tell them, “Oh that is normal, it has been like that for me for years.” It a revolving trend and is hard to combat against someone who has power and wealth. I truly think conflict theory best helps the upper class with respect to white-collar crimes and really knocks down the lower hard working class
