Explanation
Corruption undermines trust in political, economic, and legal systems. It can occur at all levels of society, from petty bribery in everyday interactions to systemic corruption in governments or corporations. In criminology, corruption is often studied as a form of white-collar crime or in connection with organized crime, where illicit networks rely on corrupt officials to operate.
Theoretical Reference
Corruption is analyzed within political sociology, criminology, and economics. It is seen as both a cause and consequence of weak institutions and social inequality. The concept connects to theories of power (Weber, Foucault) and to critical criminology, which highlights structural dimensions of corruption.