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Corruption: A Root Cause Analysis from Family to Nation
Author: Sidheswar Jena, Ph.D. Scholar (Law),

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Abstract
Corruption is a deeply embedded societal problem that transcends political, economic, and cultural boundaries. While discussions on corruption often receive broad agreement, efforts to take collective action are limited. This article analyzes corruption from its root causes, beginning with the family unit, extending to municipal structures, and culminating in its national implications. Using the recent political crisis in Nepal (September 2025) as a case study, it explores how dissatisfaction, greed, and systemic failures converge to perpetuate corruption. The paper argues that corruption is not limited to government institutions but is fundamentally a human-driven issue requiring cultural as well as institutional reform.

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Introduction
Corruption is universally acknowledged as a significant impediment to development and governance. Whenever citizens discuss corruption, there is widespread recognition of its prevalence. However, when the discourse moves from identification to accountability and action, there is often a retreat. This hesitation highlights the paradox of corruption: though universally condemned, it is simultaneously normalized. To understand why, we must analyze corruption’s roots—not solely at the national level but beginning with individual behavior and familial influences.

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Corruption and the Centrality of Taxation
Taxation is the backbone of any nation, particularly for developing economies. Tax revenues fund infrastructure, education, healthcare, and welfare. Yet, empirical studies and lived realities suggest that tax collection rarely translates entirely into public development. Rather, funds are diverted or misused for private interests, eroding citizen trust in governance institutions (World Bank, 2022).
The crisis in Nepal (September 2025) underscores this dilemma. Long regarded as a peaceful nation, Nepal witnessed mass protests driven by frustration with entrenched corruption and economic stagnation. Citizens observed their tax money being misappropriated by politicians, bureaucrats, and business elites, while ordinary people faced rising unemployment, inflation, and uncertainty about their future. Many leaders’ families lived abroad in luxury, pursuing education in prestigious universities, while taxpayers struggled with basic needs. Protective amendments and immunity provisions
introduced by the government further alienated citizens, leading to widespread protests and civil unrest (Kathmandu Post, 2025). Though violence cannot be justified, the episode illustrates how systemic corruption can trigger social upheaval and threaten democratic institutions.

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Corruption at the Micro Level: The Family
Before addressing systemic corruption, it is important to recognize its roots within the family structure. Consider a household of four: a father working to provide for his spouse and children. Stability falters when dissatisfaction arises, often due to social comparisons with neighbors or peers living seemingly better lives. Influenced by such comparisons, family members may pressure the earning member to increase income.
When legitimate opportunities appear insufficient, individuals are vulnerable to persuasion from peers who normalize illegal practices. Rationalizations such as “everyone is doing it” or “you can bribe your way out of problems” lower moral barriers. High-profile financial scandals, including those involving Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi (Business Standard, 2022), reinforce the perception that corruption not only goes unpunished but can also sustain luxurious lifestyles. Thus, corruption begins not out of compulsion but from greed, jealousy, and unchecked ambition.

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Misconceptions About Corruption
Public discourse often associates corruption exclusively with government officials. While it is true that bureaucratic corruption is prevalent, corruption is not confined to public institutions. It arises wherever individuals prioritize personal gain over ethical responsibility. Institutions, whether governmental or private, are run by individuals; hence, corruption is fundamentally human-driven (Transparency International, 2024).
Municipal governance provides a clear illustration. Citizens pay taxes expecting efficient services, yet frequently encounter bureaucratic hurdles unless they provide informal payments. Officials justify such demands by citing insufficient resources, shifting responsibility back onto citizens: “If you want faster service, you must pay extra.” Citizens, pressed for time, comply. Gradually, bribery becomes institutionalized, seen as an unofficial fee rather than a crime. This normalization ensures its persistence and expansion.

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The Vicious Cycle of Corruption
Corruption perpetuates itself through a cyclical process:

1. Individual Dissatisfaction – Comparisons with others fuel greed.
2. Entry into Corruption – Bribes and shortcuts appear rational.
3. Normalization – “Everyone does it” becomes justification.
4. Institutionalization – Bribery becomes routine and expected.
5. Political Protection – Leaders shield officials, while officials shield leaders, ensuring continuity.
   This cycle makes accountability difficult, as both giver and taker of bribes rationalize their roles. When political leaders implicated in scandals return to power, the cycle deepens, signaling that corruption pays rather than punishes.

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Conclusion
Corruption is not merely a governmental or institutional issue; it is fundamentally rooted in individual choices. It begins within families, manifests in municipal services, and becomes entrenched within national politics. The Nepal crisis of September 2025 serves as a reminder that unchecked corruption can lead to widespread unrest and threaten democratic stability. Addressing corruption requires more than laws—it demands cultural reform, ethical leadership, and active citizen refusal to participate in corrupt practices. Unless individuals acknowledge their complicity and act responsibly, corruption will remain both a societal norm and a national weakness.

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References
1.
Business Standard. (2022). Case studies of financial fraud: Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi. Business Standard India. Retrieved from https://www.business-standard.com
2.
Kathmandu Post. (2025). Protests in Nepal: Anger against corruption and political elitism. Kathmandu Post. Retrieved from https://kathmandupost.com
3.
Transparency International. (2024). Corruption Perceptions Index. Retrieved from https://www.transparency.org
4.
The Hindu. (2023). Why is corruption so difficult to eliminate in India? The Hindu. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com
5.
World Bank. (2022). The Costs of Corruption on Development. World Bank Publications. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org

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Signed,
Sidheswar Jena, Ph.D. Scholar (Law), Vivekananda Global University