Abstract

This article attempts to analyze the intersection of corruption and inequality not only in terms of the injustices and inequalities accentuated by corruption, but also in terms of the role of self-justification narratives of corruption based on perceptions of inequality. Despite the fact that the common definition as an ‘abuse’ of power removes the possibility of legitimation of corruption, legitimation narratives do exist and they also do appear in various surveys or case studies. By introducing Tilly’s perspective of inequality to corruption research, this article provides new input for understanding the dynamics of inequality and opportunity hoarding that fuel endemic corruption.