Corruption, an invisible disease
Abstract
Corruption is a structural phenomenon that undermines social cohesion and weakens democratic legitimacy in Latin America. This paper critically addresses the philosophical, social, and institutional roots of corruption, challenging positivist approaches that reduce it to individual or legal failings. Drawing on recent documentary sources, it examines the impact of corruption on public trust, distributive equity, and the normative fabric of Latin American societies. Special focus is given to the health sector, where corrupt practices become particularly harmful, directly affecting access to essential services and violating fundamental rights. The study concludes that combating corruption requires not only legal reforms but also structural transformation to foster transparency, accountability, and social justice.
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