Formation of Anti-Corruption Culture in Kazakhstan: The Influence of Media

Adilet Baktybay; Moldir Akmadi; Dauren Nessipkaliyev

doi:10.52536/3006-807X.2026-1.002

Authors

Adilet Baktybay Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Kazakhstan Author https://orcid.org/0009-0007-0444-1304
Moldir Akmadi Kazakh National Women’s Teacher Training University, Kazakhstan Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0789-3684
Dauren Nessipkaliyev Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Kazakhstan Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0946-6611

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52536/3006-807X.2026-1.002

Keywords:

anti-corruption culture, mass media, media trust, media engagement, Kazakhstan

Abstract

In recent years, Kazakhstan has undergone an active institutional transformation of the anti-corruption system, and the media is one of the important aspects in the formation of this culture.

The purpose of the research is to analyze the influence of media on the formation of anti-corruption culture in Kazakhstan, where attention is paid to the consumption model, trust in sources of information, and how people interact with corruption-related content.

The analysis is based on a population survey, covering all regions of Kazakhstan (N = 2685). Data was collected through a combination of face-to-face and online interviews. The survey assessed the frequency of consumption of media content, trust in public, independent, and digital media, views on media coverage of corruption, evaluative interaction with media, and anti-corruption policies. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were used to test the proposed theories. The results show that media content related to corruption is weakly and inconsistently linked to anti-corruption policies, indicating the limited influence of passive media consumption. The reliability of media sources has only a partial, context-dependent relationship with the perception of objectivity and effectiveness of the media. However, active interaction with media content through critical evaluation, checking information, and awareness of media influence is the strongest predictor of media effectiveness in shaping an anti-corruption culture.

The results show that media influence manifests itself through reflexive and interpretative processes, rather than through simple familiarization or blind reliance on specific sources. The practical significance of the study is that anti-corruption reforms in Kazakhstan are focused on legal and institutional measures, and less attention is paid to the social and cultural impact of media on public opinion and ethical norms. This study fills in the gap, as well as examining how media use and audience engagement relate to perceptions of corruption and how effectively media promote anti-corruption values.

Author Biographies

Adilet Baktybay, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Kazakhstan

PhD student, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Kazakhstan
Moldir Akmadi, Kazakh National Women’s Teacher Training University, Kazakhstan

PhD, Department of Social and Humanitarian Disciplines, Kazakh National Women’s Teacher Training University, Kazakhstan
Dauren Nessipkaliyev, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Kazakhstan

PhD, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Kazakhstan

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