Corruption, inequality and poverty

Abstract

The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development identifies the reduction of corruption, inequality, and poverty as key goals. These three phenomena are, in fact, closely interconnected, and action in one area can significantly impact outcomes in the others. Recent developments in the measurement of corruption have led to the identification of a series of risk indicators based on the relationship between corruption and various cultural, legal, economic, social, and political-institutional factors that may influence its spread and persistence, including inequality and poverty. These factors are considered primarily for their social implications: greater economic inequality is associated with a higher likelihood of criminal behavior; moreover, when individuals perceive unfair treatment, their inclination to seek shortcuts to achieve economic well-being may increase.