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
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: Suggested Citation