Corporate Malfeasance as a Social Problem

Authors

Melissa Rorie, University of Nevada, Las VegasFollow

Editors

A.J. Treviño, ed.

Document Type

Book Section

Publication Date

3-1-2018

Publication Title

The Cambridge Handbook of Social Problems

Publisher

Cambridge University Press

Publisher Location

Cambridge

First page number:

215

Last page number:

236

Abstract

Single cases of corporate malfeasance often cause more financial and physical damage than an entire year's worth of “conventional” crimes, yet systematic data collection on these behaviors is wanting. A cohesive body of knowledge is imperative to stimulate theory and policy making that will allow for the prevention of harm caused by powerful corporations. This chapter reviews what is known about corporate malfeasance from a criminological perspective. Specifically, we describe current issues in defining corporate behaviors as crime, explore four types of harm and the scope of harm caused by corporate crime, provide theoretical explanations for crime, and appraise current strategies used to prevent and intervene in cases of corporate malfeasance. We conclude with suggestions for improving research endeavors in this field and the importance of such research for policymaking efforts.

Disciplines

Criminology and Criminal Justice | Sociology

Language

English

Repository Citation

Rorie, M. (2018). Corporate Malfeasance as a Social Problem. In A.J. Treviño, ed., The Cambridge Handbook of Social Problems 215-236. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/9781108550710.014