The Social Construction of Corruption

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to reveal the importance of social constructions in the judgement of corruption. The recent economically-focused literature neglects such constructions and thus underdetermines the results of corruption. The way in which incentives are arranged, for instance, and the meaning they acquire for actors depend greatly on social, cultural and historical aspects. In fact, only by considering such aspects can we define more precisely many of the elements involved in corruption, such as bribery, extorsion, embezzlement, corrupt individuals, public duties, integrity, etc. And it is also because of these aspects that the corrupt activity can be “neutralized”, that is, justified so as not to constitute moral violation. This article sketches some sociological arguments about corruption, analysing exchanges within dyads and between individuals and organizations, the role of relative social status in corruption, patron-client relations, particularistic corruption, conflicts of interests and the role of ideology. Keywords: corruption; exchange; social constructions.