On the Comparative Study of Corruption

Abstract

This essay identifies corruption as a priority target for comparative study and provides a definition of corruption as the illegal use of power. We locate this theory of corruption within the framework of other types of property criminality, and speculate on some of the determinants of rates of corruption cross-sectionally and over time. Finally, we argue that the emphasis on misuse of power in our analysis might help to explain the high intensity of interest in white-collar crime.

This article argues for comparative studies in criminology and uses corruption as an illustration of their value. We define corruption as the unlawful use of power and show haw that fits with the unlawful uses of force, stealth and fraud in other criminal law categories. We discuss some of the determinants of levels of corruption cross-sectionally and over time. We compare our treatment of corruption with issues in the social construction of white-collar crime.

Keywords: Corruption

JEL Classification: K42, K14