NCJ Number
116362
Journal
American Journal of Sociology Volume: 94 Issue: 3 Dated: (November 1988) Pages: 632-636
Date Published
1988
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This commentary responds to Braithwaite's critique of Coleman's article on motivators of white collar crime that appeared in the September 1987 issue of the American Journal of Sociology.
Abstract
Coleman argues that the motivators of white collar crime can be found in the social structure of industrial capitalism and the culture of competition that capitalism fosters. Braithwaite's commentary contends that a more theoretical foundation needs to be established for capitalism and socialism issues. Although Braithwaite focuses heavily on profit as the goal of competition, Coleman gives equal weight to success which can be measured in ways other than financial gain. Further, Coleman does not believe that competition and the quest for personal gain necessarily replace cooperative sentiment in the capitalist mode. While Braithwaite holds that socialist societies are imbued with a cooperative rather than a competitive consciousness, Coleman does not see such a sharp distinction between capitalist and socialist societies. Both Braithwaite and Coleman agree that an individual or organizational commitment to social responsibility is essential in preventing white collar crime. Coleman envisions that corporate responsibility will occur only when major corporate leaders see that it is in their best financial interest to promote legal and ethical standards for corporate behavior. If this occurs, white collar crime may be minimized. 9 references.