Percepciones de estudiantes de la Universidad de Cuenca respecto al fenómeno de la corrupción, periodo septiembre 2023-febrero 2024

Abstract

Corruption in Ecuador represents a social, political, and cultural problem that instigates insecurity and undermines governmental credibility. Understanding this phenomenon is imperative for devising strategies aimed at reducing its prevalence. The overarching objective of this research was to comprehend how students at the University of Cuenca perceive the phenomenon of corruption during the period from September 2023 to February 2024. Th is study employed a phenomenological design complemented by a deductive thematic analysis. A convenience sampling method was utilized to select 19 participants from various faculties. Data collection involved in-depth semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Participants identified favoritism, exchanges of sexual favors, bribery, nepotism, and academic fraud as corrupt practices, while acknowledging gender and power disparities. They underscored the normalization of certain practices and recognized that corruption disproportionately affects women and marginalized groups. Emotionally, corruption induces discomfort, particularly in witnesses, and justifications were identified. Participants described it as a structural flaw in the government system, linked to personalized power and individualistic thinking. These findings emphasize the complexity and multidimensional impact of corruption, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive strategies within Ecuadorian society.