Current debates about how to define corruption are still very much based on
a categorization of early definitions of corruption, made by Heidenheimer.18
According to the categorization, which focuses on definitions used by social
scientists, corruption can be defined (i) as contrary to the public opinion, (ii)
as contrary to the public interest, (iii) as a breach of public office norms, and
(iv) from the perspective of the market.
In what follows, these broad categories of definitions will be presented
briefly along with what is perceived as their strengths and weaknesses. A
few other attempts to define corruption will also be described before
discussing the suitability of these definitions for the purpose of the thesis at
hand, as well as the final choice of definition.