The Impact of Edwin H. Sutherland's Theory of White-Collar Crime

What theory did Edwin H. Sutherland introduce in 1943 and 1944?

A. Theory of Organized Crime

B. Theory of White-Collar Crime

C. Theory of Street Crime

D. Theory of Juvenile Delinquency

Answer:

In 1943 and 1944, Edwin H. Sutherland introduced the theory of white-collar crime through a series of papers.

Edwin H. Sutherland's theory of white-collar crime, introduced in 1943 and 1944, had a profound impact on the field of criminology. Prior to Sutherland's work, criminological studies primarily focused on crimes committed by individuals from lower socioeconomic classes. However, Sutherland's theory broadened the scope by shedding light on crimes committed by individuals of high social status, often in positions of power and respectability.

By defining white-collar crime as offenses committed by those in positions of authority, rather than through physical violence, Sutherland highlighted the importance of examining criminal behavior across all social strata. This shift in focus brought attention to the inequalities in the justice system and the different treatment received by individuals based on their social standing.

Sutherland's theory paved the way for a more comprehensive understanding of criminal behavior, emphasizing the need to consider the motivations and opportunities for crime across all segments of society. His seminal work, "Principles of Criminology," published in 1944, further elaborated on the theory of white-collar crime and solidified its place in criminological discourse.