Corruption victimization in Latin America: A multi-level test of rival models

• In Event: Spatial and Multilevel Perspectives

Abstract

Using data from the 23-nation Latin American Population Survey (LAPOP) from 2014, the proposed study assesses the determinants of corruption rates across different locales. The study attempts to make two main contributions. First, it tests whether important community-level theories of crime successfully explain differences in corruption victimization. Specifically, two theoretical models are tested: 1) collective efficacy, and 2) legal cynicism. Second, the study examines these issues in a cross-national, three-level study. Individuals in this study are nested within municipalities, which are nested within countries. The research design thus allows for a discussion of the importance of municipality characteristics to understand corruption victimization. In this sense, it explores whether the levels of collective efficacy and legal cynicism across municipalities are associated with differential rates of corruption. Country-level characteristics impacting corruption rates are also considered.
Results are intended to illuminate the community characteristics of municipalities that make them more or less vulnerable to corruption. Understanding the importance of local characteristics in corruption victimization is crucial to evaluate whether community-strengthening policies could help in reducing levels of corruption.

Authors

• Cecilia Chouhy, Florida State University

• Francis T. Cullen, University of Cincinnati

• Pamela Wilcox, University of Cincinnati