Corruption in education: reflections on the fragility of the State and structural inequality in Peru

Guevara-Cieza J.I. · Clio. Revista de Historia, Ciencias Humanas y Pensamiento Critico. (2025) · DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17282159

Resumen

Corruption is a complex and deeply rooted phenomenon that undermines political, social, and educational development across Latin America, with particularly severe consequences in Peru. By eroding state capacity and widening long-standing social inequalities, it threatens both institutional legitimacy and citizens’ trust. This study set out to examine the links between corruption, state fragility, and education, with the aim of understanding how these dynamics affect social cohesion and collective well-being. The research followed a qualitative approach, relying on a documentary review of academic literature, institutional reports, and legal frameworks. The analysis revealed that corruption weakens state action, fuels structural poverty, and restricts equal access to education. It also contributes to the normalization of unethical practices and a growing tolerance of opacity within society. The findings suggest that confronting corruption in the education sector requires more than legal sanctions: it calls for strengthening public institutions, fostering a culture of integrity, and designing educational policies that genuinely address social development and equity.

Instituciones: Universidad Privada Antenor Orrego