Title: When Corruption is Glorified: A Socio-Cognitive Model of Uncorrupt Marginalization
Authors: Dr. Arinaitwe Julius
Ahumuza Audrey
Nabaasa Desire
Volume: 10
Issue: 5
Pages: 354-361
Publication Date: 2026/05/28
Abstract:
This study examined the socio-cognitive mechanisms through which corruption becomes normalized within communities and the consequent marginalization of individuals who refuse to engage in corrupt behavior. Drawing on social cognitive theory, institutional anomie theory, and the theory of normative social behavior, a cross-sectional quantitative survey was administered to 412 purposively selected respondents across urban and peri-urban communities in Uganda. Structured instruments measured the Corruption Glorification Index (CGI), the Uncorrupt Marginalization Score (UMS), Social Conformity Pressure (SCP), Cognitive Normalization Score (CNS), and Institutional Trust Index (ITI). Univariate analyses revealed alarmingly high levels of corruption glorification (M = 3.84, SD = 0.97) and marginalization of uncorrupt individuals (M = 4.17, SD = 1.02). Bivariate Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated strong, statistically significant associations between CGI and UMS (r = .61, p < .001), with CNS (r = .67), SCP (r = .54), and ITI (r = -.49) further corroborating the relational structure of the phenomenon. Multiple regression analysis indicated that CGI, CNS, SCP, ITI, and education collectively explained 58% of the variance in UMS (Rē = .58, F(5,406) = 112.3, p < .001). Multilevel modeling across 40 community clusters confirmed that community-level corruption norms (? = 0.38, p < .001) and governance quality (? = -0.41, p < .001) exerted significant contextual effects, with an intraclass correlation of .40 signifying that 40% of the variance in marginalization was attributable to community-level factors. These findings underscore the urgent need for cognitive reorientation programmes, institutional trust-building reforms, and community-level anti-corruption norm disruption to protect and incentivize integrity in public and private life.