The applications of these theories encompass contributing social environments that are synonymous with the work ethics being fostered in corporate deviant behaviourisms. One ideology in particular, the “American Dream” is attacked as a promoter of this through its means of success being defined in culture as monetary gain and social status as the way of life (Schoepfer, 2006, p. 4-9). This mentality is adapted to the corporate world as a dominant coalition amongst business practices is developed whereupon a group of interdependent individuals who share a common interest remains dominant in its ability to force organizations to function in accord with their goals and knowingly abuse this unique position (Albanese, 1984, p. 2-5). From this perspective Sutherland and Merton connect the barriers or lack thereof that perpetuates these ideologies in business ethics therefore being the cause of the crimes themselves. In essence, it is a vicious circle of necessity created by the conditions outlined as tolerable as long as they lean towards monetary success. Suggesting differential association as a learned behaviour imbedded in the corporate structure that acts both as an educator and pusher of monetary gain onto those within it.
Merton’s concept of strain from institutions can be linked to contributing factors such as the “American Dream” ideology as stimulating social needs put forward by the culture without encompassing a means of success (Merton, “cited in” Adler, 1999, p.160-161). In other words, the mentality associated with the American dream is synonymous with creating tension between the means of achieving a common goal and the means of success available to those who share that goal (Cloward, 1960, p.1). This context of balance...
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As we lose ourselves and our values, worth, and identity as people in the corporate culture, the objectives of monetary profit, status within a company, and machine-like work ethics replace our ethical judgement and our values as people. Perhaps there is nothing we can do about it; after all Skilling and Fastow did not realize what they were doing is immoral and illegal until they were sentenced or even released from their sentence. We are all too absorbed in this capitalistic corporate world we live in. Just like the ancient Chinese philosopher Fu Xuan said, “He who is close to the ink will be stained black,” (Fu, “Prince Shao Fu Xuan”), We have been too used to the immorality and unethical practices of corporate culture that we’re not only numb to the wrongdoings of others within this capitalist society, but we also replace our values as people and our ambitions to do good with objectives of the corporate world. Prebbles posed us the question that after centuries of capitalism’s existence in our society, will our ambitions to do good prevail against our monetary desires and the corporate norm of only profit-driven decisions?
Time and time again, the society has put in force political and social ideals of America greatly affecting the American Dream for many. Every American resident has his or her own definition of “achieving the American Dream”. However, all American Dreams are common, in part, that all believers are drawn to the desire to go above their current social class and improve their way of life. Although many people try to achieve their own American Dream, the society possess ideals that negatively affect the American Dream for both Americans and immigrants.
In the United States there is an idea many pursue called the American dream, which differs from person to person. The American dream according to americanradioworks.publicradio.org is “a revolutionary notion: each person has the right to pursue happiness, and the freedom to strive for a better life through hard work and fair ambition”. Yet it has been said there is no real definition of American dream, instead it merely proves that it has an unconscious influence in American mentality (Ştiuliuc 1). The American dream is different for each person because everyone yearns for things that will they hope will in return make them happy. Whatever that may be, each person goes through different struggles to obtain what they want. According to Frederic Carpenter, the American dream “has never been defined exactly, and probably never can be. It is both too various and too vague” (3). The Madonnas of Echo Park by Brando Skyhorse depicts the different interpretations on what the American dream actually is through the opinions and actions of Hector Esperanza, Efren Mendoza and Mrs. Calhoun.
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Professor and Director of the Distance Learning Masters Program at The University of Cincinnati, Michael L. Benson has his Ph. D. in Sociology and is the author of "Denying the Guilty Mind: Accounting for Involvement in White-Collar Crime." In a classic study based on interviews with 30 convicted white-collar offenders all men, Benson examines the excuses and justifications used by White-Collar criminals to not only explain their involvement in the crime but also claim their innocence. It focuses mainly on the techniques that are used to deny they did anything wrong in categories separated by antitrust violators, tax violators, violations of financial trust and those committing fraud. Antitrust Violators focused on the everyday character and historical continuity of their offenses. They claimed to be following es...
White Collar crime is not a crime unto it self, but instead a criteria that has to be met in order for a crime to be considered as White- Collar Crime; (Blount, 2002) hence the reason why Corporate Crime is also considered as White- Collar Crime. At the same time, White Collar Crime and Corporate Crime can be seen as distinct criminological categories, however, in order to reveal this, this essay will firstly be exploring Sutherland's definition of white collar crime and the perplexity with this definition of white-collar crime. It will then be looking at the modification which had to take place with Sutherland's definition of white-collar crime in order to established a distinction between white-collar and corporate crime. Consequently, this essay will show in what ways and to what extent white collar crime and corporate crime are distinct criminological categories.
White-collar crime is defined as committed by public officials or businesspeople, defined as non-violent, and usually revolve around financial crimes. These crimes can cause companies to be destroyed, cost investors thousands of dollars, and even wipe a family’s entire life-savings. Insider trading, Ponzi schemes, and embezzlement are just a few types of white-collar crimes. In 1939, Edwin H. Sutherland, described white-collar crime as any violation of the law by a person of high status in their work-place. Sutherland also noted the white-collar criminals are less likely to be prosecuted than other offenders. The concept of white-collar crimes has been changed over recent decades. Blue-collar crimes are people who do not work in prestigious work-places; these are white-collar crimes, and work mundane jobs, like maintenance. This changed how people see white-collar crime, as it no longer only relates to people of high status. To help the concept of work-related crime, occupational...
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