Arguably, crime has become part of human beings in the globe. In every sector of the society, there are various forms of crime. Street crime and white-collar crimes, affect the society differently, but neither the two is better off, this is because both have negative impacts on individuals and society. Streets and offices have been converted into Criminal path. Street crime is believed to be too destructive, as is mostly punished severely as compared to white-collar crime. Certainly, most common street crimes are predatory; it includes burglary, rape, assault, larceny, and robbery. On the other hand, white-collar crime refers to offences individuals commit in legitimate professions and jobs. It includes, corruption, computer crime, embezzlement, bribery, fraud, consumer crime, just but to mention some.
Street crime is immensely destructive because it carries a lot of shock and threats when it occurs. In fact, most of street crimes are exceedingly violent in nature and inflicts physical harm to its victims. Street crime is responsible for general breakdown in society. Due to its tremendous harm to society, it is always punished relentlessly. White color crime is also harmful to society, but it is mostly executed professionally. Those individuals who carry out street crime are poor and, unemployed, but those who commit white-collar crimes are professionals and mostly individuals with power.
In United States, perceptions and treatment of crimes is stereotype. Street crimes are punished severely, because those who commit are powerless, while those with power enjoy the committing crime. According to me, white-collar crimes are highly harmful; this is because it is widely spread in most sectors of society. White-collar crimes take more from the economy, political arena, culture, and all other sectors, yet they go unpunished. Perhaps, this might be one of the indirect causes of street crime, as it takes from the public. Generally, we should change the perception on white-collar crime and street crime. Organizations and other victims of white-collar crime should establish measure and policies to investigate such crimes. The stereotype thinking and punishment on white-collar crime need to be changed, and be viewed the same way as street crime.
Certainly, in sociology the term social stratification refers to the general concept of class in society. Individuals are classified into different groups based on various conditions in social, political, ideological, and economic dimensions. According to conflict and functionalists theorists, social stratification is universal. According to functionalists, society needs to distribute individuals among various social positions. In fact, they preserve social stratification to be universal, and view the presence of social inequality to be necessary. Social inequality drives the society towards filling the relevant functional positions. On the other hand, conflict theorists deem that individuals are into conflict over wealth, power, and status. Additionally, conflict theorists believe on the universality of social stratification, terming it the main cause conflict and tension. In the long-run, social stratification leads to social change and instability.
Functionalists’ theorists have a better argument for the inevitability and universality of social stratification. In society, there is a continues struggle to fill the available positions in the society. These positions are filled depending on the qualification; the more qualified receive a better reward. This is actually the real picture of the society today. Actually, it is exceedingly difficult for society to be productive in the absence of inequality. Presence of inequality motivates people to work towards achieving the best in society. If equality exists, then society will be a comfort zone, rather than a productive arena.
Human beings are not only motivated by financial factors to work hard. Other factors such as prestige, power, and leadership could be the motivating factor in the society. However, these factors are not more effective as compared to monetary compensation. Perhaps, I will continue to pursue my education even if there is no financial benefit. This is because education does not only yield financial benefits, but builds individuals mentally, psychologically, and socially. Education conveys basic skills and knowledge to the coming generation. It also brings me together with other individuals; hence, developing a strong social-cohesive environment. I will continue with my education, to maintain the social class in society. It helps in building self-esteem and self-confidence. Learning is not all about financial benefit.
