A Micro-Level Study of the Relationship between Experienced Corruption and Subjective Well-Being in Africa

The Journal of Development Studies, Forthcoming

31 Pages Posted: 11 Sep 2016

See all articles by Iddisah Sulemana

Iddisah Sulemana

University of Ghana

Abdul Malik Iddrisu

University of Ghana

Jude Kyoore

University of Missouri at Columbia

Date Written: December 9, 2015

Abstract

The economic consequences of corruption have been widely studied. A growing number of studies exists on the relationship between corruption and subjective wellbeing. However, very few studies have examined how individual experiences of corruption are correlated with subjective wellbeing. In this paper, we explore whether, and to what extent, paying a bribe, giving a gift, or doing a favour for a government official to obtain a document or service influences wellbeing. In addition, we test whether being at the receiving end of corrupt practices affects the individual’s wellbeing. We find that experienced corruption undermines individual wellbeing for both bribe victims and recipients.

Keywords: Africa, bribery, experienced corruption, happiness, subjective wellbeing

JEL Classification: D73, H11, I31, O55

Suggested Citation

Sulemana, Iddisah and Iddrisu, Abdul Malik and Kyoore, Jude, A Micro-Level Study of the Relationship between Experienced Corruption and Subjective Well-Being in Africa (December 9, 2015). The Journal of Development Studies, Forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2836948

Iddisah Sulemana (Contact Author)

University of Ghana ( email )

Department of Economics
P. O. Box LG 57
Accra, Greater Accra 00233
Ghana

Abdul Malik Iddrisu

University of Ghana ( email )

PO Box 25
Legon, Accra LG
Ghana

Jude Kyoore

University of Missouri at Columbia ( email )

332 Cornell Hall
Columbia, MO Columbia 65211
United States

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