Escaping Corruption in the Demand for Public Services in Africa — The Dual Nature of Civic Networks
利用36个非洲国家的调查数据，研究发现社会网络既能帮助公民逃避腐败，也可能被用于助长腐败，而贫困者因缺乏网络支持更难获得公共服务。
Understanding bureaucratic corruption in access to public services and exit mechanisms particularly for the poor remains a core question in the economics of corruption literature. This paper examines the role of social networks in easing bureaucratic corruption in the demand for public services, using a bivariate ordered probit model and the sixth wave of the Afrobarometer survey from 36 African countries between 2014–2015. The main results suggest that not all citizens are victims of corrupt public officials, as social networks serve as substitutes or potential exit options out of corruption. However, individuals who face multiple deprivations lack access to public services as they are not able to use their social networks to ease access. Individuals who do not face difficulties in accessing public services employ social networks as complements to their corrupt acts to “get ahead”. We discuss these findings in line with poverty eradication strategies and anti-corruption policies in Africa.