NCJ Number
106456
Journal
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology Volume: 20 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1987) Pages: 33-44
Date Published
1987
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article presents evidence from the United States and a nationwide survey in Australia that questions the commonly held assumption that communities are not particularly concerned about white-collar crime.
Abstract
The paper reviews several studies conducted over the last three decades showing that Americans strongly condemn white-collar crime. Cross-cultural studies are highlighted that reach the same conclusion. Following a summary of Australian research, the paper discusses a national survey of public attitudes to crime undertaken by the Australian Institute of Criminology in March 1986. Responses were received from a representative cross section of 2,551 persons throughout Australia aged 14 years and over. Participants were asked to rate the seriousness of 13 incidents. The results showed that Australians perceive many forms of white-collar crime as more serious, and deserving of more severe punishment, than most forms of common crime. For example, respondents rated the fatal incident of industrial pollution and employer negligence resulting in the loss of a worker's leg as more serious than armed robbery, ranking only after fatal stabbing and heroin trafficking. Exceptions to this pattern were tax offenses and false advertising which were not seen as serious crimes. The preferred penalty for corporate offending was the monetary fine. Tables and approximately 35 references.