PSYCHOLOGICAL TACTICS OF JUSTIFICATION OF CORRUPTION

Abstract

The purpose of the article was to highlight and thoroughly analyze the psychological methods by which corrupt people deny, justify or reduce their own guilt and try to interpret their actions as normal and correct ones. Research results. The article examines psychological techniques of justification (explanation) of corrupt behaviour. It is emphasized that unlike other types of crimes, corruption acts are usually committed by quite respectable and good people, who can be good parents, active members of the community, high officials, and who do not consider themselves as corrupted. One of the most important aspects of corruption is how the offenders defend or justify their actions using various concepts or mental techniques. These methods of justifying corrupt behaviour, which in various studies are called techniques of neutralization, rationalization, socialization, moral disengagement etc., became the subject of this scientific review. The neutralization of deviant behaviour is considered in the article as psychological techniques that help to completely or partially deny someone’s responsibility for deviant behaviour. It is noted that in order for there to be no or less guilt, neutralization can be carried out in two ways: on the one hand, by denying the deviant behaviour itself, and on the other hand, by denying responsibility for it. Conclusions. The leading techniques of neutralization are singled out: disclaimer of responsibility; denial of harm; denial of the victim; condemnation of condemners; appeal to greater loyalty, etc. Key words: responsibility, justification, denial of damage; condemnation, corruption, social norms.