How much corruption is there in Spain? Methodological problems in measuring corruption (2004-2010)

Authors

  • Manuel Villoria
  • Fernando Jiménez

Keywords:

Corruption, corruption prosecutions and convictions, corruption perception, methodological problems

Abstract

According to a recent democratic audit and different perceptions of corruption surveys, the quality of the Spanish democracy is falling and one of the most important reasons for that is corruption. Is this perception of widespread corruption based on objective data? This article analyses the different methods to measure corruption and assesses their methodological problems. In general terms, study rates of prosecution or conviction for misuse of office are not reliable. The rates and surveys of victimization is a way to quantify corruption, but the only corruption measured through this instrument is «bribes». The other way to measure corruption is subjective, based on perceptions. But perceptions are not the same as corruption and they lead to an «echo chamber» problem and insensitivity to actual trends. As a result, fighting corruption effectively requires more micro knowledge of the incentives and constraints affecting such problem.

Issue

Section

ARTICLES