ARE WOMEN THE SOLUTION TO CORRUPTION? A quantitative study on the relationship between female representation and corruption

Abstract

In the search for corruption solutions, female representation has emerged as a potential solution after two influential studies present a relationship between increased female representation and reduced corruption. The relationship has been coined the fairer sex theory, due to arguments about women being more ethical than men. Since then, critics of the theory proposed countering theories, some of which dismiss the relationship entirely. The field of research remains divided on if female representation is associated with lower levels of corruption or not, and why. The aim of this study is to provide more clarity to the divided field, by investigating the question “Does female representation in parliaments reduce corruption, and, if so, why?”. The study argues that a relationship between female representation and corruption will be visible at first, but as other factors are controlled for, it may weaken or disappear. The results show that the relationship between female representation and corruption is significant at first. However, when the effect of Liberal democracy is introduced, the relationship disappears. Reduced levels of corruption are therefore linked to strengthening of liberal institutions.