The anatomy of corruption in China: A political economy perspective

Abstract

Corrupt acts are believed to be disturbingly common in Chinese society and may have become increasingly so during the reform era because of greater opportunities available to seek material advantage and growing socio-cultural fluidity. Given the magnitude of the problem and its policy implications, it has been subject to a wide-ranging academic examination. Economically-oriented research however has not evolved in a manner commensurate with the challenge the country faces on this front. There is arguably a need to broaden and deepen the effort involved, in a flexible but systematic fashion.