Qui Est Au Courant? A Comparison of Sociodemographic Predictors of Knowledge About White-Collar Crime in France and the US

Abstract

The current study proposes a comparison of sociodemographic correlates of knowledge about white-collar crime in France and the US, and predicts cross-national differences in how white-collar crime information is both obtained and processed. A total of 1,068 participants (536 from the US and 532 from France) answered an online survey that measured their level of familiarity with various aspects of white-collar crime as well as their sociodemographic characteristics. In both countries, age, income, and politically liberal views were positively associated with knowledge about white-collar crime, as was education (in France only). In addition, subjects who used internet news sites as their main source of information were generally better informed than those who relied on other media. On the other hand, conservatives (in the US only), men, younger participants, and social media users were more likely to adhere to white-collar crime myths. These findings imply that knowledge about white-collar crime may be increased by disseminating relevant information to targeted audiences. They also suggest, however, that some segments of the population may not be subject to reasoned persuasion.