Poverty and Inequality as Predictors of Corruption

Abstract

Corruption is a widespread phenomenon and one of the major determinants of poverty. The low number of cases where corruption has been eradicated leads to the conclusion that this scourge is a persistent one, and difficult to eliminate. Combating corruption is therefore a crucial part in the poverty reduction process. This study sets out to investigate the link between corruption and poverty, to show the correlation between the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) and poverty and inequality. Also, the paper aims to determine how the Corruption Perceptions Index has evolved at a regional and global level, as well as to analyze the level of corruption in relation to a country’s development level, and the level of poverty and inequality as predictors of corruption.

Keywords

• corruption perceptions index
• gross domestic product
• poverty
• inequality