Identifying the Pioneer of White-Collar Crime Studies

The question asks to identify the sociologist who first conducted a systematic study of 'White-Collar Crime'. This concept refers to non-violent crimes committed by individuals or corporations in a positions of corporate or government authority.

E.H. Sutherland's Contribution

E.H. Sutherland is widely recognized as the first sociologist to systematically study 'White-Collar Crime'.

• He coined the term 'White-Collar Crime' in his presidential address to the American Sociological Society in 1939.
• Sutherland conducted extensive research, culminating in his 1949 book, White Collar Crime, which provided the first comprehensive analysis of this type of crime.
• His work shifted the focus of criminological study from lower-class street crimes to crimes committed by people of high status and respectability in the course of their occupations.

Analysis of Options

• E.H. Sutherland: Correctly identified as the pioneer.
• M.B. Clinard: A noted criminologist who built upon Sutherland's work, particularly in studying corporate crime.
• W.G. Carson: Contributed significantly to the study of corporate deviance and regulation, but followed Sutherland.
• A. Cohen: Known for theories on delinquency and subcultures, not primarily for the initial study of white-collar crime.

Therefore, E.H. Sutherland is the first sociologist credited with the systematic study of 'White-Collar Crime'.