Abstract

Corruption has been often discussed as a problem of efficiency and economic development (Mauro 1995; Rose-Ackerman 1999). However, many people perceive it to be more a problem of injustice than a problem of inefficiency. Corruption creates unequal influence, leading to unequal benefits and costs (Johnston 2005), and undermines the principle of impartial administration and equal treatment before the law (Mungiu-Pippidi 2006; Rothstein and Teorell 2008). Thus, corruption is likely to reinforce and widen existing inequalities of power, wealth and influence. Corruption poses a particular challenge to democracy which is supposed to give everyone equal voice and equal rights. A well-functioning democracy may reduce existing inequalities but corruption prevents democracy from properly functioning.