Family Corruption in Business and Public Administration: Parents, Spouses, and In-Laws in Illicit Transactions

This open access book examines the intricate connection between family and corruption within both the realms of business and government. While corruption is conventionally characterized as a socially harmful and ethically wrong phenomenon, and family is typically viewed as fundamental to social cohesion, this book argues that these constructs frequently intersect in real-life situations. Kinship ties often function not solely as sources of emotional solidarity but also as channels facilitating illicit transactions and resource misappropriation. From minor nepotism to large-scale state capture, family relationships frequently shape how corruption is organized, justified, and sustained. Drawing on interdisciplinary theories and case material, this book develops a much-needed theory of family corruption. By challenging the conventional dichotomy that segregates family from formal institutions, the analysis reveals how deeply family relations are embedded in everyday social orders, superseding universalistic norms and overriding rational bureaucratic considerations.

David Jancsics is Professor at the School of Public Affairs of San Diego State University, USA. He received his Ph.D. in Sociology from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. He consults with international organizations such as the United Nations, European Commission, U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre, and Transparency International. He was a Fulbright US Scholar to Hungary for the 2024-25 academic year.