Corruption as a risk for an individual and the state

This chapter deals with the topic of corruption as a risk for individuals and the state and points out the differences in the level and diversity of corruption in different European countries. First, it discusses the problems of defining corruption, then presents the most important theories explaining corruption from a sociological point of view. The chapter focuses mainly on deviations, norms, theories of rational choice, principal agent theory, and finally on corruption as a systemic risk. Furthermore, this chapter touches on the issue of measuring corruption. The chapter concludes with a presentation of the level and prevalence of corruption in Europe - focusing on the perception of corruption, the experience of corruption and the acceptability of corruption.