Explained by Rick Linden (2016) in his book, “Criminology: A Canadian Perspective”, social control theory proposes that people are neither inherently good nor evil, but retain the ability to do wrong. Unlike most other theories in regard to their application towards crime and the understanding of it, social control theory concerns itself with examining why don’t the vast majority of the population (law-abiding citizens) engage in criminal and delinquent behaviour? Social control theories focus on critically examining and understanding conformity and an individual’s stake in it rather than one’s deviation (Linden, 2016). Furthermore, is the examination of social control theories and their relationship with white-collar crime and the reduction
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14, Linden, 2016). Arguably, social control theory helps to understand white-collar crime despite the fact that such individuals often have a high stake in conformity because the principles that social control theory suggest to help reduce deviant behaviour are applicable when looking at tackling the issue of white-collar crime and its reduction (Linden, 2016). The aforementioned principles being monitoring the behaviour, recognizing the deviance, and consequently punishing the deviant behaviour (Linden, 2016). Looking at how white-collar crime relates to social control theory is the first step in creating strategies and implementations that aim to effectively reduce …show more content…
one’s stake in conformity. While business leaders of power and status often have a larger than average stake in conformity, it is arguable that a lens through which white-collar crime becomes more attractive is presented in a form of egoistic suicide. If one is to view a large corporation or business enterprise as a community, the division of labour and responsibilities is so large that an environment of weak ties and a lack of social spirit amongst the corporation could easily become evident, therefore weakening one’s sense of commitment to the collective good of the company and instead increasing the appeal of pursuing private interests (Linden, 2016). As presented in their article, “Situational Prevention and the Reduction of White Collar Crime”, Neil Vance and Brett Trani (n.d.) argue that more regulated checks and balances of business-related activities taken upon by employee and figureheads needs to be
14, Linden, 2016). Arguably, social control theory helps to understand white-collar crime despite the fact that such individuals often have a high stake in conformity because the principles that social control theory suggest to help reduce deviant behaviour are applicable when looking at tackling the issue of white-collar crime and its reduction (Linden, 2016). The aforementioned principles being monitoring the behaviour, recognizing the deviance, and consequently punishing the deviant behaviour (Linden, 2016). Looking at how white-collar crime relates to social control theory is the first step in creating strategies and implementations that aim to effectively reduce …show more content…
one’s stake in conformity. While business leaders of power and status often have a larger than average stake in conformity, it is arguable that a lens through which white-collar crime becomes more attractive is presented in a form of egoistic suicide. If one is to view a large corporation or business enterprise as a community, the division of labour and responsibilities is so large that an environment of weak ties and a lack of social spirit amongst the corporation could easily become evident, therefore weakening one’s sense of commitment to the collective good of the company and instead increasing the appeal of pursuing private interests (Linden, 2016). As presented in their article, “Situational Prevention and the Reduction of White Collar Crime”, Neil Vance and Brett Trani (n.d.) argue that more regulated checks and balances of business-related activities taken upon by employee and figureheads needs to be