The Effects of Social Concern on White-Collar Offending

This study tested Agnew’s social concern theory by examining empathy’s role on both street and white-collar offenses. As Agnew argued social concern elements would have both moderating and mediating effects with other causes of crime, how empathy interacted with low self-control was also assessed. Using an undergraduate sample, empathy was protective of credit card fraud, embezzlement, and shoplifting intentions. Although empathy did not interact with low self-control, empathy had indirect effects on shoplifting and embezzlement through its effects on low self-control. Empathy mediated the effects of low self-control on credit card fraud. Theoretical and policy implications are discussed.