Assessing the validity of white-collar crime definitions using experimental survey data

Abstract

We examine the extent to which the characteristics of offenders, the circumstance of offending, and offense characteristics affect public willingness to label an offense a “white-collar” crime. We conducted a multidimensional factorial vignette survey hosted onAmazon’s Mechanical Turk. Participants (N = 2696) were randomly assigned to receive information about three of eighteen scenarios that could be considered white-collar crimes. Analyses are conducted at the scenario level with respondent-level fixed effects. Scenarios in which offenders had high status were rated more highly on a scale of “white-collarness.” Occupational access was also associated with higher ratings for both middle-status and upper-status offenders. Scenarios in which the means and consequences of the crime were financial were more likely to be considered white-collar crime. In order to maximize generalizability and to support evidence-based policies, white-collar crime research should rely on a definition that incorporates practically relevant dimensions of offender status, occupational access, and financial means.