White Collar Crimes Vs Street Crime
The notion that most people possess is that all of crimes taking place in the society always occur on the street. However, this is not true. While crimes involving knives and guns do occur in the streets of our cities and towns, there are other crimes that occur in a non-violent manner. Such crimes are usually committed for financial gain and are termed as white collar crimes. |
The first time that the term white collar crime was used was in the year 1939 by Edwin Sutherland, who was a sociologist. The term was used to illustrate crimes committed people from higher economic strata while at work. Ever since the term has stuck on and it often used to describe financial crimes committed by people in higher economic strata.
When you look at white collar crimes vs street crime, the main difference is the use of non-violent methods in the former. Usually, these crimes are committed in businesses where the perpetrator indulges in complicated and protracted financial transactions. Some examples of white collar crimes include tax evasion, money laundering, embezzlement and fraud.
According to criminologists, minorities, people who are less fortunate or women are not likely to indulge in white collar crimes. Rather these crimes are committed by rich Caucasian men.
On the other hand, when a person uses fear, intimidation or weapon to rob, steal or forcefully take away something of value, it is known as street crime. Usually, it has been observed that a street crime does not always cause a lot of damage in terms of value. But at times, if the street crime is a bank robbery, then it has the potential to cause a lot of financial damage.
A street crime does not take large amounts of money like a white collar crime. So, the not much damage is done to the economic of the country. Street crime is often committed by a group of people or a lone person. A white collar crime involves large sums of money and can be damaging to the country’s economics. Also, it is always a single person that is involved in a white collar crime, and that person is usually someone high up in the business hierarchy. The crime does not make use of weapons or any violent ways.
Both white collar crimes and street crimes have the potential to harm the society they are committed in. However, the damaged caused by white collar crimes is substantial and can run into millions of dollars. There have been instances where hard working people have lost all their savings and retirement funds because of white collar crimes.
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White Collar Crimes Vs Street Crime
Crimes that are committed in a professional or business setting are referred to as white collar crimes. Usually, the main objective of such a crime is financial gain by causing loss to another party. These crimes are non-violent, but have the potential to cause a lot of financial damage to the victims. White collar crimes are considered felonies and the penalty can range from a hefty fine, jail time, or both. In some cases, other penalties may also be levied based on the gravity of the crime. Some examples of white collar crimes are highlighted below. 
