IDLA Sociology Practice Test 2025 – The Complete Study Guide for Exam Success!

A criminal act driven by bias, such as racism or sexism, is best described as a hate crime. This type of crime targets individuals or groups based on their perceived characteristics, including race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. Hate crimes are characterized not just by the act itself but by the intention behind it, which is to harm, intimidate, or instill fear in a specific demographic. Such crimes have a broader impact on the community, beyond the immediate victim, as they can create fear and division among larger groups based on shared characteristics.

In contrast, white-collar crime refers to non-violent criminal offenses typically involving deceit and committed for financial gain, often within a professional context. Corporate crime involves illegal actions taken by representatives of organizations, often to benefit the company, rather than targeting individuals based on bias. Victimless crimes are acts that do not have a clear victim, as they often involve consensual activities that may be frowned upon by society, like drug use or gambling. Thus, the specific focus on bias and the targeted nature of the act clearly align with the definition of a hate crime.