ESTABLISHING THE SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE: WHITE COLLAR CRIME vs BLUE COLLAR CRIME

The expression “crime” evokes many different mental pictures. We frequently consider violent crimes like murder or assault. However, any detrimental act or omission that entails jail time or a hefty fine is considered a crime. The majority of crimes are, in reality, non-violent.

The difference between white-collar crimes and blue-collar crimes is one of the most striking. Even though we hear these expressions in the media frequently, we don’t often stop to consider what distinguishes white-collar crimes from blue-collar crimes. The two categories vary not just in the criminal act but also in the manner in which they are looked into and dealt with in court.  

When someone breaks the law, they are breaking the laws of their city, country, state, or nation; as such, they may face legal action and legal repercussions.

White-Collar Crimes: About

Originally, the expression “white-collar crimes“ described offenses perpetrated by those of a higher social standing or those who held positions of authority that frequently required them to don suits and white-collared shirts.

These days, crimes that are typically perpetrated in a business environment and are deemed non-violent are referred to as white-collar crimes. White-collar crimes are also referred to as “paper crimes”.

White-collar crimes include the following offenses that result in fraudulent conduct:

• Identity theft
• Embezzlement
• Fraud
• Income tax evasion
• Bribery etc.,

Blue-Collar Crimes: About

• When the expression “blue-collar crimes“ first came into existence, it was used to refer to crimes perpetrated by members of the working class or lower social classes.
• These days, crimes classified as “blue-collar” are usually those that are thought to be motivated by fury, passion, or other emotions rather than ones that are well-planned and carried out.

Blue-collar crimes include the following offenses that result in property or personal injury:

• Theft
• Assault
• Rape
• Murder
• Armed robbery etc.,

Established Differences: White-Collar Crimes vs Blue-Collar Crimes

A criminal who works in this industry and commits crimes related to it is known as a white-collar criminal. On the other hand, a blue-collar criminal is usually from the working class and belongs to a lower social stratum. Crimes including murder and armed robbery are examples of blue-collar crimes that have nothing to do with white-collar industries.

In contrast to “white-collar crimes,” “blue-collar crimes” are not as commonly utilized. Although they don’t always do so or aren’t labeled as such because of their crimes, white-collar criminals are capable of committing blue-collar crimes like armed robbery or murder.

The differences between white-collar crimes vs blue-collar crimes are as follows:

WHITE-COLLAR CRIMES	BLUE-COLLAR CRIMES
These crimes are often related to a higher socioeconomic class.	These crimes frequently have a lower socioeconomic class connection.
These crimes demand resources and authority that are exclusive to white-collar employees.	These crimes don’t call for any unique resources or access.
Damage is usually financial or resource-related rather than physical in these crimes.	Usually in these crimes, there is physical harm done to the victim.
These crimes do not necessitate the criminal’s presence at the “scene of the crime” and do not immediately injure the victim.	These crimes typically involve the culprit being present at the crime locations and causing direct harm to the victim.
Financial resourcesare necessary for a white-collar crime.	Crimes without the need for substantial financial resources are referred to as blue collar crimes.
It typically includes large financial losses and entails the transfer of resources.	It includes causing physical injury to another person, and they are more violent offenses.
These crimes are reported to the public significantly less often.	The public is informed about these crimes far more frequently.
These crimes are more complicated to be understood by the general public.	It is frequently simpler for the general population to comprehend these types of crimes.
When viewed alongside white-collar crime, it isn’t that serious.	It is a far graver offense than white-collar crime.
Proof and punishment are difficult for people to achieve.	It is simple to penalize and to prove.
Their main motive is to make money.	Because they carry hatred toward specific individuals and tend to be more dramatic and emotional.

White-Collar Crimes vs Blue-Collar Crimes: Key Differences

The key differences between white-collar crimes and blue-collar crimes are as follows:

• Criminals’ socioeconomic standing
• Power and resources needed to carry out the crime
• Kind of harm that is caused
• Whether the offender is present at all during the crime or not

Conclusion

The basis upon which the criminal justice system is built is the general rule that any crime committed against an individual is also a crime against society.In order to tackle both white-collar and blue-collar crime, trained investigators are required. Despite the significant differences between both illegal conduct, criminal justice experts should pay attention to both.