White collar crime is often associated with which type of individuals?

White collar crime refers to non-violent, financially motivated crimes that are committed by business and government professionals. It typically involves deceit and is often perpetrated in commercial situations for financial gain. The term was first coined by sociologist Edwin Sutherland, who emphasized that these crimes are committed by individuals in positions of power and trust, usually within their professional environments.

Individuals associated with white collar crime are typically high-status people in their occupations, such as corporate executives, government officials, or other professionals who have significant control and influence within their organizations. This high social status enables them to exploit their positions, often leading to various forms of fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, and other illicit activities.

In contrast, individuals from low-income backgrounds are less likely to commit white collar crimes due to a lack of access to the opportunities and resources that such crimes typically require. Additionally, while criminal organizations and bureaucratic officers may engage in illegal activities, it is the high-status individuals within legitimate organizations that are most closely associated with the conception of white collar crime. The nature of the crime, its motive, and the context in which it occurs underline the distinction and highlight why high-status people are particularly linked to this category of crime.