What does the term 'white-collar crime' specifically refer to?

The term 'white-collar crime' specifically refers to non-violent crimes committed for financial gain, typically in business or professional settings. These crimes are characterized by deceit and are often committed by individuals or organizations in positions of trust or authority. Examples of white-collar crimes include fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, and money laundering. Unlike violent crimes, white-collar crimes do not involve physical harm to individuals but can have significant financial impacts on victims, businesses, and the economy as a whole.

This distinction is crucial for understanding the broader context of crime, as it highlights that criminal activities can occur without violence, and emphasizes the role of ethics and legality in business practices. The focus on financial gain illustrates the motivations behind such crimes, setting them apart from other types of crime that may be driven by different factors such as emotion, necessity, or desperation.