Corruption as a Hindrance to Modernization in South Asia
The question of whether political corruption hindered South Asian nations' attempts to modernize during the 1950s & 1960s is addressed. After introducing the notion of the "folklore of corruption," defined as public opinion's beliefs about corruption, it is contended that South Asian nations have struggled against political corruption as evidenced in the folklore of corruption & the emergence of anticorruption campaigns. Assessments about the extent of corruption, the conditions that promote corrupt behavior, & the necessity of political corruption to achieve economic development in various South Asian nations are made. Additional attention is dedicated to examining the causes of political corruption in the region, eg, the tendency for officials to exploit their offices for private gain & the emergence of more opportunities to perform corrupt actions. J. W. Parker