The recent conviction of Sam Bankman-Fried for fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy crimes, has brought to the forefront discussions about the causes and motivations behind such offenses. Edwin Sutherland’s theory of differential association provides a lens through which we can examine and understand white-collar criminality. This theory posits that criminal behavior is learned through interaction with others and that the learning process includes the techniques of committing the crime as well as the specific direction of motives, drives, rationalizations, and attitudes. This case presents an opportunity to explore the complexities of white-collar crime and its roots in social learning. Your insights and perspectives on how Sutherland’s theory can be applied to understand these dynamics are invaluable.
Please leave at least three comments. One is your original contribution. And two comments are your replies to your classmates. Deadline: 11/12/23, 11:59 pm.
The recent conviction of Sam Bankman-Fried for fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy crimes has brought attention to the underlying causes and motivations behind white-collar criminality. Edwin Sutherland’s theory of differential association offers a lens through which we can examine and understand this phenomenon, suggesting that criminal behavior is learned through interaction with others, encompassing the techniques of committing the crime and the development of motives, drives, rationalizations, and attitudes. This case is yet another opportunity to explore the complexities of white-collar crime and its roots.
I agree with you that Edwin’s theory of differential association offers a lens through which we can examine and understand the phenomenon by which criminal behavior is learned well said! Overall great response and a great way to close this statement with your ending statement.
Hello Jamal, I also believe that Sam became who he is due to his surroundings and interations. and you mentioned motives and drives which was a highlight for me, Because most businesses want to make more money thats a big motive for all big corporations. Thanks for sharing!
Criminal behavior is acquired through social contacts, especially in close-knit communities. The idea places a strong emphasis on how learning and socialization play a role in the formation of criminal conduct. It implies that those who are exposed to pro-criminal attitudes and beliefs more frequently, for longer periods, earlier, and more intensely are more likely to participate in illegal activity. There exist several motives for the commission of white-collar crimes. Money, power, or influence could all have an impact on them. However, they are usually perpetrated by someone with some degree of privilege and are not violent crimes. But comprehending the psychology of a white-collar criminal involves more than just understanding their motivations. However, the fact that they call for some sort of privilege sets them apart from other offenses. A white-collar crime (such as embezzlement and corporate fraud) can only be done if someone has access to certain financial accounts and private information, in contrast to burglary and assault, which can be perpetrated by anybody. Certain white-collar crimes may appear less aggressive at first because they don’t involve physical force. But there is always a victim in white-collar crimes, and that victim is frequently the company’s stockholders. In other instances, they might even be clients or staff of the business. The victims of a white-collar criminal’s crime inside a government agency or nonprofit organization are the people these organizations serve. When someone in a certain department commits a white-collar crime, the government will suffer as well, and it will frequently have an impact on its people.
-tax evasion.
-extortion.
-Plundering.
-Fixing prices.
-theft of identity.
-trader insiders.
-Financial deception.
-Use of company or government finances for personal purposes
Sutherland identified nine critical factors: age, sex, values, procedures, attitudes, frequency, duration, priority, intensity, and intensity which all affect the process of differential association. According to his theory, those who are exposed to pro-criminal attitudes and beliefs more frequently, for longer periods, earlier in life, and with greater intensity are more likely to commit crimes. His Differential Association Theory, which aimed to explain how criminal behavior is learned through social encounters, comprised nine premises that he introduced. Three fundamental ideas of the theory were introduced by these propositions: differential reinforcement, definitions, and differential association.
Hi Alyssa I agree,
Edwin Sutherland’s Differential Association Theory provides valuable insights into the socialization process leading to criminal behavior, particularly in the context of white-collar crimes. The emphasis on learning and social contacts underscores the role of exposure to pro-criminal attitudes and beliefs in shaping an individual’s propensity for illegal activities. This theory highlights the significance of factors such as age, sex, values, attitudes, and the intensity of social interactions in influencing the likelihood of criminal conduct. White-collar crimes, including tax evasion, extortion, plundering, and financial deception, are often driven by motives such as money, power, or influence. What sets these crimes apart is the requirement of privilege, as individuals must have access to specific financial accounts and private information to commit such offenses. While they may not involve physical force, there are still victims often shareholders, clients, or staff bearing the consequences of these crimes. Sutherland’s theory underscores the importance of understanding the differential associations individuals have, particularly in close-knit communities or organizational settings, as a key determinant in the acquisition of criminal behavior. By considering age, duration, frequency, and intensity of exposure to pro-criminal elements, this theory contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the psychology behind white-collar crimes.
The conviction of Sam Bankman-Fried for fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy crimes has brought attention to the white collar crimes that hav been committed. It allows us to have a deeper understanding in which we can see that criminal behavior is learned and practiced through interaction with other people, teaching different ways and the techniques of committing such crime. Many who are exposed to crimes like this for a long period of time often develop the same traits and personalities and are more likely to commit such crimes.
Hello Elihah, I agree with you, while learning why people comit crimes we can come to a conclusion and theroies that our socialization are one of the most common reason for why we do things. Our everyday soicialization affects our life, It can impact us in a positive way or negative was like the ted talk. The speaker was affected by his commuinity he had felonies at a young age was misunderstood and had no guidance but as soon as he met a teacher who had hope for him, he was impacted by her words and became a better person. Thanks you for your response.
I do agree with this statement because of these theories people be influenced by people that they are around daily.
I agree with this statement that the conviction of Sam Bankman-Fried for fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy crimes has brought attention to white-collar crimes as a whole. Also, as it turns out, Sam Bankman-Fried was a kind of idiot savant of financial criminality rather than a genius of finance or crypto.
Hi Elijah, I’m 100% agree with you and I like the way you explain it, You had not need to explaining on a big paragraph or something like that, It make us easy to understand.
In the case of Sam Bank, I noticed that his associates saw him as a higher authority. They did it for him. Edwin Sutherland’s theory suggests that criminal behavior, including white-collar crime, is learned through interactions with others. I agree with this theory that one isn’t born with the intention to be a criminal or break the law; it’s learned through socialization. In the peer study you can see how your surroundings impact your decision making. White-collar criminals are part of subcultures or professional networks where illegal practices are normalized. The way we are taught from parents to teachers or friends you learn to be like them and I believe that Sam Bank grew to these actions he saw and learned how the system worked and ran with it.
i agree with the parents part because Jeffrey Dahmer’s father was one of the reasons why he started to do those heinous things.
Hi Andi,
I agree with your assessment of Sam Bank’s case in the context of Edwin Sutherland’s Differential Association Theory. It’s evident that his associates viewed him as a higher authority, and this dynamic likely played a role in shaping his behavior. Sutherland’s theory suggests that criminal behavior, including white-collar crime, is acquired through social interactions and learned experiences rather than being an innate trait. The idea that individuals aren’t born with the intention to be criminals but rather acquire such tendencies through socialization is a crucial aspect of Sutherland’s theory. Sam Bank likely learned the ropes and adapted to the environment he was in, reflecting the impact of social interactions on the development of criminal behavior. Overall, your perspective supports the premise that criminality, even in white-collar contexts, is a learned behavior influenced by social surroundings and interactions
Sutherland’s theory is that people’s motive for crimes are from social interactions. People can pick up certain aspects from others such as attitudes, energy, and many other things which is what he stated. Picking up certain characteristics from others can influence criminal behavior within people because being around someone with a harmful mindset or someone with ill intentions can be a reason for someone to commit a crime especially if it’s that person’s friend.
Hi everyone,
Individuals within corporate or professional environments may learn white-collar criminal techniques through interactions with colleagues or superiors who engage in such activities.
The workplace culture, discussions, and social interactions within the professional setting can contribute to the transmission of knowledge about fraudulent practices. According to Sutherland, the frequency and intensity of interactions with individuals who support or engage in criminal behavior influence one’s likelihood of adopting such behavior. In the context of white-collar crime, individuals who have frequent and intense associations with those involved in fraudulent activities may be more likely to engage in similar behaviors themselves. Sutherland argued that individuals learn not only the techniques but also the definitions of legal codes during their interactions. In white-collar settings, individuals may be exposed to rationalizations and justifications for engaging in illegal activities, leading them to perceive these actions as acceptable within their professional context. Sutherland’s theory suggests that criminal behavior arises from motivations, and individuals may be motivated to engage in white-collar crime if they perceive it as a means to achieve success, financial gain, or acceptance within their professional community. The concept of social learning is particularly relevant when examining corporate culture. If a company’s culture tolerates or encourages unethical behavior, employees may be more likely to engage in white-collar crimes. Sutherland’s theory also recognizes the role of subcultures within society. In the corporate world, subcultures may develop within specific departments or teams, influencing the acceptance or rejection of white-collar criminal behavior. Applying Sutherland’s Differential Association Theory to white-collar crimes helps emphasize the social and cultural dimensions that contribute to individuals engaging in such activities within professional settings. Understanding these dynamics can inform efforts to prevent and address white-collar crime by targeting the social contexts that may facilitate or discourage such behaviors. It’s important to note that various other theories and perspectives also contribute to our understanding of white-collar crime. For example, Sam Bankman-Fried’s accomplices said they were following his lead and turned against him when they got caught.
Hey Alexis,
your analysis of Sutherland’s Differential Association Theory and its application to white-collar crime is excellent, providing a comprehensive view of how social interactions within corporate environments can influence individuals’ engagement in fraudulent practices. I completely agree with the significance of workplace culture and the transmission of knowledge about illegal activities through frequent and intense associations with those involved. The mention of subcultures within specific departments or teams influencing the acceptance or rejection of white-collar criminal behavior is also a crucial point. It adds a layer of complexity to the discussion, showcasing how these dynamics operate within smaller units of a larger organization. I appreciate your reference to Sam Bankman-Fried’s case, illustrating how accomplices cited following his lead and subsequently turning against him when caught. It’s a compelling real-world example that aligns with Sutherland’s theory and underscores the powerful influence of role models in shaping behavior.
Hi guys,
In a professional or corporate environment, people can learn white-collar criminal techniques by interacting with colleagues or superiors who engage in such activities. The way people talk and behave at work can contribute to the spread of knowledge about fraudulent practices. The more often and intensely people interact with those who support or engage in criminal behavior, the more likely they are to adopt similar behavior themselves. White-collar crime involves illegal activities carried out by people in positions of power. They learn not only the techniques but also the definitions of legal codes during their interactions. People may be exposed to justifications for engaging in illegal activities, leading them to see these actions as acceptable within their professional context. Sutherland’s theory suggests that people may be motivated to engage in white-collar crime if they perceive it as a means to achieve success, financial gain, or acceptance within their professional community. The concept of social learning is particularly important when examining corporate culture. If a company’s culture tolerates or encourages unethical behavior, employees may be more likely to engage in white-collar crimes. Sutherland’s theory also recognizes the role of subcultures in society. In the corporate world, subcultures may develop within specific departments or teams, influencing the acceptance or rejection of white-collar criminal behavior. By understanding these dynamics, we can make efforts to prevent and address white-collar crime by targeting the social contexts that may facilitate or discourage such behaviors. It’s important to note that different theories and perspectives contribute to our understanding of white-collar crime. For example, Sam Bankman-Fried’s accomplices said they were following his lead and turned against him when they got caught.
Hi Marifer,
Your analysis of Sutherland’s theory of differential association and its application to white-collar crime is insightful and well-articulated. I completely agree that the dynamics of social learning in a professional environment play a crucial role in the spread of knowledge about fraudulent practices. The way individuals talk and behave at work can indeed contribute to the normalization of certain behaviors, especially when it involves colleagues or superiors engaging in such activities.
I believe there is some truth in Edwin Sutherland’s theory of differential association. This theory believes that criminal behavior is a learned behavior. Sutherland expanded on his thoughts by saying that criminal behavior is learned like any other behavior. Sutherland theory also gave incredible insight into what factors contribute to white-collar crime. The recent conviction of Sam Bankman-Fried, who was an entrepreneur involved with cryptocurrency committing fraud. He has since then been tried in court for these actions. Sutherland suggests that these criminal behaviors are learned through interactions with others. People are not born with any criminal desires but due to experimental and situational circumstances, criminality could be an escape. “Differential association theory highlights the importance of social context and the influence of others in shaping an individual’s moral compass. It suggests that white-collar crime is not simply a result of individual greed or malice but also a product of the social and cultural environment in which individuals operate.”
White-collar crime is always sure to follow whichever trend that people are investing their money into. Cryptocurrency was a hot spot for online criminals to identify their targets because there was a “FOMO” (Fear Of Missing Out) craze when Bitcoin skyrocketed, as well as Ethereum in 2020. Ordinary people saw crypto investors earning thousands, if not millions of dollars within a few hours to a few days in the stock market and it became a frenzy. It didn’t take long for scammers to create useless crypto coins and add it to the blockchain, and with enough hype around it being the next Bitcoin, people began to invest money into it. Most people were ignorant of cryptocurrency, and scammers knew they were the perfect targets. The individuals who scammed innocent people out of their money, work in groups, and are well knowledgeable about their operation. I remember from 2020 to early 2022 when crypto frauds used to recruit celebrities into their scam, by having them promote an N.F.T. which is a digital asset that you owned. Those same frauds never had to show their faces or make public statements about the operation when left.
I believe white-collar crimes are both learned through associates and recruitment. The amount of money that’s made within a short amount of time is enough to spark the curiosity of someone in financial hardship. A professional scammer will promise a person thousands of dollars in a credit card scam, but the price that’s paid is the victim sacrificing their banking reputation and possible jail time if caught. To some it is worthwhile, and they’ll take the same idea and recruit other people for the same scam.
I agree with Sutherland’s theory of white-collar crime, as it offers important insights into the social workings underpinning such offenses. They are focused on social learning and the idea that individuals within professional settings may act criminally from their colleagues and superiors. This is seen in organizations where a focus on profit over ethics can create issues leading to wrongful activities. The idea of differential association says that exposure to attitudes toward crime increases the likelihood of being involved. Sutherland fights the idea that white-collar crimes are less serious. This perspective watches responses that address street crime and the social and organizational factors fostering white-collar offenses. Corporate socialization influences a person’s ability to listen to ethical conduct or rationalize illegal activities. Overall, I agree with Sutherland’s theory as it provides an impressive outline for understanding the roots of white-collar crime and strategies for prevention and intervention.
Through encounters with individuals who have experience in similar activities, those engaging in white-collar crime may pick up specialized strategies. This can entail studying financial fraud plans, techniques for money laundering, or other illegal acts connected to their line of work. The theory also places a strong emphasis on understanding the impulses, motivations, and justifications for criminal behavior. People may use a variety of justifications in the context of white-collar crime to defend their acts, such as arguing that their actions are required for the survival of their company, to remain competitive, or even to believe that criminal activities are victimless. Sutherland’s argument goes so far as to suggest that criminal behavior can be impacted by social group culture in addition to being purely individual acts. Criminal behavior may spread throughout the corporate sector if there is a culture that accepts or promotes unethical behavior. Sutherland’s differential association theory, which emphasizes the significance of symbols and meanings in influencing behavior, is consistent with the symbolic interactionist viewpoint. In the context of white-collar crime, people may be swayed by symbols of power, prosperity, and success, which may encourage them to engage in criminal activity. Although the idea implies that criminal behavior is learned, it does not discount the importance of free will and personal choice. People continue to base their decisions about whether or not to commit crimes on a mix of ingrained habits and free will. In conclusion, Sutherland’s differential association theory offers a useful framework for comprehending the elements of social learning involved in white-collar crime. It draws attention to how social interactions, taught habits, and group dynamics shape people’s propensity for white-collar crime.
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