The Moral Critique: Corruption in Developing Countries

Abstract

Corruption is a central fact of life in much of the developing world, yet in the context of morality it is seldom discussed. This paper, in considering why the moral dimension of corrup­tion is avoided and arguing against such avoidance, endeavors to sketch out the components of a practical moral critique of corruption and to seek a bridge between theory and practice. The paper identifies the relevant terminology, describes the developing world context and the relationship between pov­erty and corruption, and explores the characteristics of corrup­tion itself. In addressing corruption and its effect upon the quality of life and human flourishing, the paper proposes the use of the capabilities approach as articulated by Sen, Nussbaum, Crocker and others as the basis for a powerful in-the-field analysis tool and monitoring instrument. It also suggests some possible moral responses to the problem of corruption.