Corruption in Brazil: Perceptions, Causes and Consequences

This article conducts a thorough examination of corruption in Brazil, spanning its infiltration into everyday scenarios to its profound impact on the country’s political, economic, and social spheres. It investigates prevalent instances of fraudulent practices in daily life, particularly in dining establishments, underscoring the challenge of combating this deeply ingrained culture of dishonesty due to underreporting. The piece highlights the extensive investigations into alleged criminal activities involving a significant proportion of Brazilian lawmakers and emphasizes the judiciary’s slow response in prosecuting accused officials. Moreover, it delves into the adverse effects of corruption on the economy, citing its deterrent effect on foreign investments, exacerbation of income disparities, and contribution to economic instability. Criticisms of the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic are discussed, including the intervention of the Federal Supreme Court to scrutinize government actions. Proposing a mathematical model to comprehend and prevent crimes, it explores the intricate connections between various crime types, public security policies, and corruption. Finally, the article concludes by advocating empirical testing of this model and suggesting methodologies to construct comprehensive indices for diverse crime categories, offering an exhaustive analysis of corruption’s multifaceted impact on Brazilian society, economy, and political framework.