Navigating Corruption Perceptions: Analyzing Corruption Tolerance Evolution from Pre- to Post-COVID Crisis in Latin America

How do crises reshape our tolerance for corruption? This thesis dives deep into the evolution of corruption tolerance in Latin America, tracing its trajectory from before COVID-19 to its aftermath. Using data from the Latinobarómetro survey across 17 countries and spanning four key years (2017, 2018, 2020, and 2023), the research applies advanced statistical models to reveal how demographics, politics, and crisis management shape attitudes toward corruption. The findings show a compelling story. The pandemic, with its devastating mortality rates, exposed institutional failures and heightened public awareness. This led to a decline in corruption tolerance across a part of the region. Yet, long-standing cultural and socio-economic factors, such as Panama’s entrenched corruption, maintained acceptance across the periods. Age, education, and political attitudes also played a crucial role. By examining the dynamics of corruption tolerance during a global crisis, this study contributes to...Show moreHow do crises reshape our tolerance for corruption? This thesis dives deep into the evolution of corruption tolerance in Latin America, tracing its trajectory from before COVID-19 to its aftermath. Using data from the Latinobarómetro survey across 17 countries and spanning four key years (2017, 2018, 2020, and 2023), the research applies advanced statistical models to reveal how demographics, politics, and crisis management shape attitudes toward corruption. The findings show a compelling story. The pandemic, with its devastating mortality rates, exposed institutional failures and heightened public awareness. This led to a decline in corruption tolerance across a part of the region. Yet, long-standing cultural and socio-economic factors, such as Panama’s entrenched corruption, maintained acceptance across the periods. Age, education, and political attitudes also played a crucial role. By examining the dynamics of corruption tolerance during a global crisis, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of how crises influence societal attitudes and institutional trust. Its insights may lead to discussions on governance and anti-corruption efforts in the region, offering a foundation for exploring ways to strengthen public trust and accountability in the future.Show less

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Navigating Corruption Perceptions: Analyzing Corruption Tolerance Evolution from Pre- to Post-COVID Crisis in Latin America