I think it's more of a common theme to unequal and impoverished countries where enforcement of law is tenuous at best and people don't trust others. If trust collapses everyone only cares about themselves and their loved ones, if bribing a police officer will help your kid to get out of a DUI... So be it, you will be considered an idiot if you don't do what the rest of society does, whatever small corruption or abuse that is. Because people know they will get away with it so why hinder yourself for such a thing as moral and values?

I know it's a very broad generalisation of huge societies, unfortunately it's my experience growing up in Brazil and why I can't ever live there again.

You'd be surprised to experience firsthand how low values like integrity, ownership and shame rank for an overwhelming majority of people. The general rule of thumb is "get by, somehow, anyhow". Another trait is having little to no perspective on what a higher quality of life entails. It is awful, and depressing.

A handful of people who are hurt and frustrated by this, share the same sentiment as the parent comment.