The image of a corrupt official as perceived by Russia’s youth: using the unfinished sentences method

This article considers the image of a corrupt official as perceived by young Russians. The object of this study was represented by students from three Moscow-based universities. The survey was carried out in 2018. The sample consisted of 118 people ages 17 to 21. The results of the analysis show that, in order to develop anti-corruption measures in the field of education, it is necessary to study those personal, professional and behavioral image characteristics of a corrupt official which are relevant to young people. With this goal in mind, a sociological study was conducted in 2018 utilizing the unfinished sentences method, with students from three Russian universities participating in the study. The results of the study reflect a multilevel collective image, defined by the behavioral characteristics of a corrupt official. A conclusion was drawn that, while describing individual traits of a corrupt official, personal qualities, field of professional activities and means of interacting with others bear special significance. In recreating an image, the mentality and willpower of corrupt officials are shown in a light which points to mixed attitudes towards the person initiating acts of corruption. Meanwhile certain areas are highlighted where said image becomes somewhat blurred, with corrupt officials being regarded as “regular” people without any distinctive traits. It is suggested that these thoroughly analyzed substantive qualities of the image of a corrupt official should be considered while developing measures for cultivating intolerant attitudes among young people towards the main subjects of acts of corruption.