The Social Psychology of Corruption

Abstract

The special issue focuses on the social–psychological mechanisms behind corruption, emphasizing the role of social norms, power dynamics, cultural perspectives and gender in shaping corrupt behaviours. The special issue highlights the importance of understanding how shared expectations, cultural influences and organizational structures sustain or mitigate unethical conduct. By integrating interdisciplinary approaches, the collection presents new insights into corruption that go beyond traditional explanations. Studies in the special issue explore interventions targeting social norms to reduce bribery, examine moral judgements of corruption across different cultural contexts, investigate how power asymmetries within organizations perpetuate corruption and show how gendered dynamics, particularly in cases of sextortion, shape responses to corruption. The special issue underscores the significance of using diverse methodologies, including qualitative research, to better understand corruption and inform more effective anti-corruption policies.