...Theories of the White Collar Offender Grantham University Richard Sayles White-Collar Crime 20 March 2012 White-Collar Crime The literature supports that many criminals go through a rational choice process when committing crime. Rational choice theories are among the fastest growing theories in social science today. Many sociologists and political scientists defend the claim that rational choice theory can provide the basis for a unified and comprehensive theory of social behavior. What distinguishes rational choice theory from other forms of theory is that it denies the existence of any kinds of action other than the purely rational and calculative. All social action can be seen as rationally motivated, as instrumental action, however much of it may appear to be irrational or non-rational. Rational Choice Theory, law-violating behavior should be viewed as an event that occurs when an offender decides to risk violating the law after considering his or her own personal situation need for money, personal values, learning experiences and situational factors how well a target is protected, how affluent the neighborhood is, how efficient the local police happen to be. Before choosing to commit a crime, the reasoning criminal evaluates the risk of apprehension, the seriousness of the expected punishment, the value of the criminal enterprise, and his or her immediate need for criminal gain. Crime...
Words: 486 - Pages: 2
...Criminal Acts and Choices Paper Your Name Here CJA/204 University of Phoenix Criminal Acts and Choices Over the years there have been several different schools of theory which have been developed with the intent of explaining and understanding criminal behavior. These schools of theory include sociological, biological, psychobiological, psychological, classical, social process, emergent, and conflict. There are a variety of factors which play a role in determining what is considered criminal activity. Several factors within social, political, and economic inequities have had a roll in creating conflict within society which has led to criminal activities. As a part of the human development process, failed self-direction, an absence of “normal” opportunities, association with defective individuals, inadequate social roles as well as social organization and disorganization are a variety of factors which have led to individuals engaging in what is considered criminal activities. Some theorists say that criminal behavior derives from psychobiological factors such as hormones and human DNA; while others point to inappropriate behavioral conditioning as a contributing factor to criminal activity. During the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries a classical school of crime causation dominated criminology. Prior to classical theories, superstitious beliefs and mysticism explained the reasoning for deviance. The classical school recognized rationality...
Words: 1037 - Pages: 5
...Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. Choice theories are the choices to commend or abstain from wrong had an implement of free will based on the offender’s hard work to reduce pain and exploit pleasure. In this paper, I will look at choice theories and how they relate to crime and a little about common models in how society determines which acts are considered to be criminal, and how these are impacted by choice theories of crime. A choice theory is the evaluation on offenses caused by a criminal due to the consequences of conscious choices. It is also known as the rational choice theory. According to this theory, criminals want to disobey the laws when he or she believes that the price of doing so does not overshadow the profit. In fact choice theory has an inner behavior to our life and that it is hereditarily motivated by five desires: freedom, ability, love, survival, and responsibility. The choice theory also has 10 Axioms that are based on a therapy method that is all about serving customers taught to formulate excellent choices. Some of the axioms are: behaviors that he or she choose but mainly those he or she act on, one that he or she can control, relationships long term and short term, behavior is made up of four mechanism- physiology, feeling, acting and thinking, and all behaviors are divided into verbs. Everyone as a choice in life whether if he or she decides to eat at the mall or go carjacking it is up to him...
Words: 914 - Pages: 4
...Similarities. The Social Learning Theory and the Rational Choice Theory are similar in the following ways: According to Theorist Akers, he argued that the Social learning theory and the Rational choice theory share some of the same major elements; especially moral reasoning. I feel that the similarities between the two theories are that the individuals know what they are doing as far as criminal behavior is wrong. I believe one group randomly chooses to do things or commit criminal acts to further their financial gain, just as long as the crime is not too severe and their reward is greater (Rational choice theory). The other group (Social learning theory), they just do whatever they see someone-else doing without really thinking...
Words: 1375 - Pages: 6
...Criminal Acts and Choices Tamara Manning CJA/204 June 16, 2012 Criminal Acts and Choices “Choice theories state that the decision to commit (or refrain from) crime is an exercise of free will based on the offender’s efforts to maximize pleasure and minimize pain.” Choice theories are perspectives on crime causation that states that criminality is the aftermath of conscious choices made by people. There are four basic theories that are considered: Psychological positivism, biological, positivism, rational choice, and sociological positivism. These theories rely on logic to explain why people commit crimes and whether a criminal act is the result of a rational decision, internal predisposition or external aspects. A multitude of factors are considered to play roles in criminal activity. Social, political, and economic inequities, for instance, may create conflict within society. Human development, an absence of “normal” opportunities, failed self-direction, and inadequate social roles, association with defective individuals, or social organization and disorganization may also pave the road to criminal activity. Some theorists say that criminal behavior derives from psychobiological factors such as human DNA or hormones; others say inappropriate behavioral conditioning or a diseased mind contributes to criminal activity. Regardless of the reasons behind crime, this is a very real...
Words: 1030 - Pages: 5
...received very positive reviews when it was still on the air. The characters on the program, both criminal and judicial, are all well-developed, rounded characters that help to display a realistic view of life in Baltimore, Maryland. One of the criminals on the program is a man named Omar Little. Barack Obama stated that Omar Little was his favorite character on the program: “He is not my favorite person, but he’s a fascinating character– a gay gangster who only robs drug dealers and then gives back. But he’s the toughest, baddest guy on the show, and he’s gay. He’s a fascinating character” (Goldman, 2009, p. 1). After watching several episodes of The Wire, it is easy to see why people like this character, even though he is a known criminal who has committed robbery and murder several times. Omar Little is a homsexual, black male, who is seen spending time with boyfriends, yet, he goes against the gay stereotype of being sensitive, and kind, and is one of the most dangerous criminals in Baltimore. He isn’t afraid to pull the trigger of his gun, and he participates in robberies of dangerous drug lords as well as getting involved in inter-gang rivalries. He displays a passion for poetry, and for Greek mythology (shown in Season 2). For a character like Omar Little to be understood, it is important to realize that he is not a good person, he is not a role model. His criminal behavior is daunting and appalling and should not be praised. However, it is the way he commits his crimes...
Words: 1972 - Pages: 8
...Crime Theories Marcelino Sanchez CJA/204 12-06-11 Frank Juarez Crime Theories The choice theory has an important role to play when considering the reasons leading to a criminal activity. This theory has its own importance while creating strategies for controlling or reducing crime. For this, it is important to understand the theory and how it affects the possibility of someone taking part in criminal activity and how an attempt to control crime would take place under choice theory. Choice theory has derived from the works of early theorists, Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy Bentham. The Choice Theory obviously affects how society would deter criminal acts. The choice theory of criminology is also known as the classical theory. The fundamental concepts of this theory are that people select all behavior, including criminal behavior. People's choices can be controlled by many factors such as the fear of punishment or the benefits which are attained by doing the crime or an illegal activity. So it implies that the more severe, certain, and swift the punishment, the greater is the possibility to control criminal behavior. The choice theory in relation to criminology, states about punishment, and its effects on criminal behavior. According to choice theory, punishment should have four main objectives. The first and the most important is to prevent all criminal offenses. The second objective is that when it cannot prevent a crime, it should persuade the offender to commit a lesser...
Words: 1082 - Pages: 5
...Monique McCloskey SHAY140 Criminology: Theory and Practice: Assessment 2 ESSAY Tutor: Patricia Aloi Student number: 9889000. 03 June 2013 A little girl was two when the physical and sexual abuse commenced at her day care centre in Victoria, Australia. The abuse carried on until she turned four and was perpetrated by a fellow female class mate several months older than her. The victim suffered beatings, being strangled and forced to undress during the yearlong abuse. Sexual assault was perpetrated which included being licked on her body and face as well as having objects used during her ordeal. Severe separation anxiety, nightmares, low self-esteem, difficulty learning and concentrating are regular emotions and reactions experienced by the victim as reported by her mother. A psychologist have examined the victim and found that she is experiencing extremely high anxiety levels. Due to the age of the alleged attacker the police did not commence an investigation. Research into peer to peer sexual violence has been deficient and there is no clear evidence to determine the prevalence of sexual assault in day care centres or schools. Child sexual abuse is defined as abuse that take place when an “adult, stronger child or adolescent uses his or her power or authority to involve a child in sexual activity. Sexual abuse can be physical, verbal or emotional”. It is clear by the description of events that sexual abuse occurred. Department of Communities, (2013), www.communities...
Words: 1984 - Pages: 8
...Criminal Acts and Choices Victoria Hopkins University of Phoenix Society uses common models to determine what a criminal act is. The Justice System has two models: Consensus Model and Conflict Model. The consensus model is used by the Criminal Justice System (CJS) and it shows that the majority of society shares the same values and beliefs. This model works on the assumption that when people form as a society they will have the same morals and beliefs. They come to an agreement of what are the general norms and values. According to the Consensus Model, crime is anything that goes against the values and beliefs of society and is considered damaging to society. Any individual who performs an action that goes against these values and beliefs are considered a threat to society and need to be punished. Deviant behavior is controlled and prevented by the laws that society passes. The Conflict Model is the model used to determine the content of criminal law. This model is determined by those that hold economic, political, and social power within the community. What is believed to be criminal activity is determined by whichever one of these groups hold the power. Each segment of society (social class, income, age, and race), will have different value systems and shared norms. Each of the society segments is in a constant struggle to have the power in society. There are groups that do not have a political access to the power and so what their interest are, they are not served...
Words: 836 - Pages: 4
...relationship is seen. Empirical Validity. This is the most important factor in evaluating a theory, and means that the theory has been supported by research evidence. Ideology. A belief system and a set of core values or philosophy. In a pure sense, an ideology states or explains how things should be, and a theory explains how things actually are. Internal Logical Consistency. A theory needs to be presented in a logical manner and to have clearly stated propositions that agree with or do not contradict one another. Restated, does the theory make logical and consistent sense? Macro. Macro theories of criminal behavior explain the “big picture” of crime—crime across the world or across a society. They attempt to answer why there are variations in group rates of crime. Other authors have used the terms “epidemiology” or social structural theories. Micro. Micro theories of criminal behavior focus on a small group of offenders or on an individual crime. They attempt to answer why some individuals are more likely than others to commit crime. Other authors have used the terms “individual conduct” or processual theories. Necessary Condition. This means that X must be present to produce effect Y. If X is notpresent, Y will not occur. Parsimony. This refers to how many propositions, steps, or statements are involved. How simple is the theory? Policy Implications. If the theory is empirically valid, what solutions are suggested. Probabilistic Causality. A concept...
Words: 1223 - Pages: 5
...Choice Theories Roslyn Wooten CJA/490 September 9, 2013 Ray Cueller Choice Theories “Criminology is the study of why individuals commit crimes and why they behave in certain situations. If people can understand and learn why a person commits a crime, there can be ways to develop control in crime or rehabilitate the criminal. In criminology there are many theories. Some relate crime to the individual; they believe that an individual weighs the pros and cons and makes a conscious decision or choice if to commit a crime or not. It is believed that a community should support the responsibility of ensuring their citizens do not commit any crimes by offering them a safe and secure place in which to live. It is also believed that some individuals have latent traits that will determine how they will react when put in certain negative situations. In studying these theories and applying them to individuals, it is hoped that psychologists can deter criminals from repeating crimes and help them in their rehabilitation”. * “Choice Theory: The belief that individuals choose to commit a crime, looking at the opportunities before them, weighing the benefit versus the punishment, and deciding whether to proceed or not”. * “Classical Theory: Similar to the choice theory, this theory ascertains that people think before they proceed with criminal actions; that when one commits a crime, it is because the individual decided that it was advantageous to commit the crime”. ...
Words: 989 - Pages: 4
...Social Influence of Crime Stu Dent CJA/384 28 October 2012 T. Cher Social Influence of Crime Organized crime has been a research topic in criminal justice for many reasons. It appeals to researchers because of the variables that are involved in defining why organized crime exists and how it has been as successful as it has been. With all of this research comes a series of theories on how organized crime works and how society can benefit from understanding these concepts. Reviewing and defining a few of these theories will assist in understanding theories of organized crime. Among the foundation of organized crime is the idea that it is a social institution. Common examples of a social institution include schools, churches, sporting leagues and the work place. These are institutions that allow for social gathering and influence. However, a social institution can be defined as more than that. It does not have to be an actual building or infrastructure to physically gather in. Instead, a social institution is a set of social norms that establish the collective value of the society. It is not just the place to be social, but also the ideas that bond the group together and create that environment (Walker, 2011). In keeping with this idea, social institution has had a large impact on organized crime. In some ways, this social institution has created the environment for organized crime to grow and be successful. For example, the prohibition of alcohol in the early 1900s is...
Words: 944 - Pages: 4
...Criminal Acts and Choice Paper James Hankerson CJ4/204 October 19, 2011 Lyndsey Hix Criminal Acts and Choice Paper There is not one answer to why crime happens. Every day criminals makes choices whether to commit a crime or not, and they are not thinking about the consequences that follows. In cities and communities crime has grown enormous to new highs, since the economy is down and the poverty level is up. There’s many reasons why so much crime is happening, but the poverty level is one of the main reasons, with people losing their jobs, losing their homes, and don’t have the financial resources to feed their families make individuals seek other alternatives. Theorists have worked long hard hours to find clarifications that allow a nonviolent, noncriminal individual to understand what goes on in the heart, mind, body, and soul of a criminal. In this paper the questions that would be explained are, describe choice theories and how they relate to crime. I’ll list, and describe the common model in how society determines is considered to be criminal and how it impacted by choice theories of crime. Choice Theories and how they relate to Crime? We almost always have choices, and the better the choice, the more we will be in control of our lives (Glasser, 2009). Choice theory is described also known as the rational theory is the idea that people tend to make choices in a way that maximizes advantages while minimizing cost (Wisegeek, 2011). There are two main theories in...
Words: 833 - Pages: 4
...The Psychology of Criminal Behaviour: Theories from Past to Present by editor i Arista B. Dechant, Fort Hays State University, Kansas download this essay: theories-of-criminal-behavior Arista writes: I have been involved in extensive research since undergraduate school surrounding criminals and how they operate. There are many ideas surrounding the cause of antisocial behavior and criminality. Through this independent study class for Fort Hays State University’s Justice Studies (Graduate) Program, I felt I would have the perfect opportunity to explore many of theories which have developed, over time, to explain criminal behavior. It is my hope that this research paper will provide an extensive and educational look at how the psychology of a criminal impacts the activity which is produced. It seems that every year brings new ideas, but I feel that the following is a conclusive look of research compiled from the beginning of criminality to the present. I have also provided a history of criminality and how it has developed into what we now understand as forensic psychology. This field will always remain fluid with discovery, and my greatest pleasure would come from being part of it in the future. [pic] “Wherever he steps, whatever he touches, whatever he leaves behind, even unconsciously, will serve as a silent witness against him.” Edmund Locard The application of psychology in the criminal and civil justice system is known as forensic...
Words: 2978 - Pages: 12
... AJ 100 Spring 2015 Born in El Paso Texas on February 28, 1960 Richard Ramirez, AKA the Night Stalker terrorized the city of Los Angeles during a two year period committing multiple murders, sexual assaults, and burglaries. This case study of Ramirez focuses on the possible motives and factors that may have contributed to his brutal crimes. Ramirez was convicted for 13 murders, five attempted murders, 11 sexual assaults, and 14 burglaries. He was known to engage in satanic rituals and showed no empathy for the victims he demonically murdered. This case study will examine three possible reasons that may have influenced such behavior using the social process theory, social disorganization theory, and rational choice theory. Crime Causation Theory The Social Process Theory Ramirez childhood was spent In El Paso Texas with his family where he experienced constant physical abuse from his father. At the age of twelve Ramirez became heavily influenced by his older cousin Miguel “Mike” Ramirez. Ramirez viewed his cousin as somewhat of a role model and had been exposed to extremely violent events at a very early age. Mike introduced Ramirez to graphic images, stories of rape and murders he committed during his time as a U.S Army Green Beret in the Vietnam War. He taught Ramirez how to kill with certainty, which ultimately led to his fascination with murders and sexual assaults. One night Ramirez witnessed...
Words: 615 - Pages: 3
