What characterizes white-collar crime?

Prepare for the AQA Sociology Crime and Deviance Test. Study with engaging questions, complete with hints and explanations to ensure your success in the examination. Ace your sociology exam!

White-collar crime is characterized by non-violent criminal activities that are primarily committed for financial gain, typically by individuals or organizations in positions of trust and authority. This type of crime occurs in a professional or business context and often involves deceit, concealment, or violation of trust.

The focus on financial gain distinguishes white-collar crime from other forms of crime that may involve violence or physical harm. Common examples include fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, and money laundering. Such crimes often have far-reaching consequences for individuals, businesses, and the economy as a whole, highlighting the serious impact of what might be perceived as 'non-traditional' forms of criminality.

The other options describe different categories of crime: violent crime refers to acts that inflict physical injury or harm, property crime deals with the theft or destruction of tangible assets, and cybercrime typically involves the use of technology to commit illegal acts, such as identity theft. However, these do not encapsulate the essence of white-collar crime, which is strictly tied to non-violent acts aimed at achieving financial advantage.

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