Determinants of Citizen Acceptance of White-Collar Crime in China.

This article examines the determinants of public attitudes toward white-collar crime in China using data from the seventh wave (2018) of the World Values Survey (WVS). It identifies key factors influencing tolerance of white-collar crime, including sociodemographic variables (younger age, male gender, higher income), moral values (tolerance of socially undesirable behaviors and religious beliefs), trust in institutions (notably major companies and banks), and frequency of exposure to new media. The study finds some distinctive patterns in the Chinese context, such as a positive association between religious belief and tolerance of white-collar crime, and highlights the role of limited media exposure and cultural factors in shaping public perceptions. The authors suggest that culturally tailored, evidence-based initiatives—such as enhancing media coverage and reforming educational curricula—are needed to foster public support for anti-white-collar crime policies in China.