Question

1. What can you conclude from the similarity between and among white-collar and street criminals?

2. Should criminologists expect meaningful differences in the life course of offenders?

3. Should policy makers ensure different or similar treatment in he criminal process?

Answer 1

1) Street crime is any offence that takes place in the public area. For example, pick pocketing, assault, sexual harrasement, abuse etc.

Shop lifting, vandalism, crime against property, drug crimes are also Street Crimes.

White-collar crimes are those that rich people, politicians, business men involve in. These crimes are non-violent and doesn't take place in public places. For example, not paying tax, storing black money in private places, frogery etc.

While both of the above mentioned crimes are crimes, one involves in physical harm while other in making money in whatever way possible.

2) Criminologists role is to understand criminal behavior. They need to assess a particular pattern of crime, reasons, circumstances and motivation for a crime.

Yes, Criminologists do try to make meaningful difference in the offender's life by providing rehab if needed. In some countries, offenderd are also given a job after having undergone their punishment.

3) When it comes to policy makers, the criminal process depends on the crime which are bound to differ depending on the crime. We can't expect a rapist to get the same sentence of imprisonment as that of a pick pocket.