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Do Literacy And A Mature Democratic Regime Cure Corruption?

Author

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  • NABAMITA DUTTA

    (University of Wisconsin, USA)

  • DEEPRAJ MUKHERJEE

    (Kent State University, USA)

Abstract

Using a cross-national panel data, we investigate the combined effect of education attainment and a durable democratic system on the corruption levels of a nation. Higher levels of education foster a sense of ethical behavior and civic duty in the citizenry by raising awareness, which in turn, should reduce corruption. Decades-long tradition of democracy, on the other hand, increases government transparency and accountability as politicians have to seek reelection, and thus, stable democratic system should reduce political corruption. Our empirical results suggest that the combined effect of these variables reduces corruption significantly, and a durable democracy and education behave as complements in combating corruption. Additionally, our marginal estimates show that durability successfully enhances the effect of literacy in curbing corruption.

Suggested Citation

  • Nabamita Dutta & Deepraj Mukherjee, 2016. "Do Literacy And A Mature Democratic Regime Cure Corruption?," Journal of Economic Development, Chung-Ang Unviersity, Department of Economics, vol. 41(2), pages 1-26, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:jed:journl:v:41:y:2016:i:2:p:1-26
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    Cited by:

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    2. Mustafa Kamal & Ebney Ayaj Rana & Abu N. M. Wahid, 2018. "Economic Reform and Corruption: Evidence from Panel Data," Australian Economic Papers, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 57(1), pages 92-106, March.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Corruption; Educational Level; Political Durability; Panel Data;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D73 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Bureaucracy; Administrative Processes in Public Organizations; Corruption
    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General
    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State
    • Z1 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics

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