Corruption in Education during Socialism and the Postsocialist Transition: The Case of Albania

Abstract

Informal practices and institutions such as corruption, clientelism, and favoritism present major challenges for the development of the education system of transition countries like Albania. Corruption cases in secondary and tertiary education institutions have been widely reported by the media and have exerted a toll on the reputation of the education system. Bribery and favoritism in student assessment are prevalent phenomena, followed by clientelistic practices that have emerged and developed within the frame of paternal linkages, informal practices that are deeply rooted in the socialist past. The study explores various forms and causes of corruptive relations between teaching staff and students during socialism and the transition.