Early democratization, corruption scandals and perceptions of corruption

Evidence from Mexico

Bibliographic Data

ID6254511
AuthorsGerman Petersen (0000-0003-3275-8230, ITESO, Tlaquepaque, Mexico, corresponding author)
Year2021
Volume28
Issue2
Pages333-352
Publication date2021-02-17
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueDemocratization (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1351-0347 • E-ISSN: 1743-890X
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13510347.2020.1819246
OpenAlexW3089176887
LanguageEN
Citations received8
References cited38

The most accepted theory of the relationship between democratization and perceptions of corruption is the curvilinear theory. The theory states that in early democratization corruption increases, then it reaches a ceiling, and finally it begins falling, forming an inverted U. The increase in perceptions of corruption in early democratization has been associated with an increase in actual acts of corruption. This paper claims that the inverted-U relationship between democracy and corruption may or may not be explained by corruption, but it is surely explained by corruption scandals. Using evidence from the 32 Mexican states over the period from 2000 to 2018, the article substantiates that early democratization, particularly first turnovers, significantly and robustly increases corruption scandals. In turn, corruption scandals have an influence on perceptions of corruption. Ultimately, early democratization moves perceptions of corruption through the mechanism of corruption scandals, with the role of actual acts of corruption being an open question

Criminology · Democracy · Democratization · Development economics · Economics · Language change · Perception · Political economy · Political science · Politics · Sociology · Corruption and Economic Development · Crime, Illicit Activities, and Governance · Culture, Economy, and Development Studies · Law · Psychology

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