Publication Date

5-2018

Date of Final Oral Examination (Defense)

2-28-2018

Type of Culminating Activity

Thesis

Degree Title

Master of Arts in Political Science

Department

Political Science

Supervisory Committee Chair

Nisha Bellinger, Ph.D.

Supervisory Committee Member

Julie VanDusky-Allen, Ph.D.

Supervisory Committee Member

Stephen M. Utych, Ph.D.

Abstract

The pervasive nature of corruption poses many challenges to nations. In particular, it can hamper progress and threaten stability. However, a citizen’s awareness of corruption is not exclusively based on encountering it personally. I claim that experience and perception of corruption are two distinct features, influencing an individual’s satisfaction with democracy. This study utilizes a mediation analysis to determine the impact of corruption, both experienced and perceived, on an individual’s satisfaction with democracy in Latin America. The statistical technique distinguishes the influence of experiencing corruption first-hand and having a high perception of it when determining a citizen’s support for democratic values, taking into consideration joint and distinct effects. I use the Latin American Public Opinion Project (LAPOP) biannual survey from 2006-2014, using responses from 22 countries. This study underscores the ramifications of corruption as it determines perception is only partially influenced by experience and impacts citizens’ views on democracy negatively.

DOI

10.18122/td/1381/boisestate

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