Date created: | Last Updated:

Category: Project

Description: This study explores how traditional gender norms shape gendered attitudes and behaviors toward corruption and clientelism among African entrepreneurs. Existing research offers mixed findings on women’s engagement in corruption and clientelism. Some studies suggest women are less likely to participate in corrupt networks due to social expectations and structural barriers (Alexander et al., 2023; Daby, 2021), while others argue women are equally involved (Brierley & Pereira, 2023). In clientelism, gendered dynamics also play a crucial role, with research indicating that women brokers face more constraints in mobilizing voters and are limited in ascending patronage networks (Daby, 2021; Blaydes & El Tarouty, 2009). Despite these insights, there remains limited understanding of how cultural gender norms systematically influence women’s participation in corruption and clientelism. The study addresses this gap by examining how patriarchal norms shape engagement and perceptions using the Male Dominance Index (MDI) developed by Guarnieri and Tur-Prats (2024). Surveying 2,000–4,000 entrepreneurs across over 20 African countries, the study tests whether higher male dominance correlates with gendered gaps in expectations, willingness to engage, exposure to predatory corruption, and participation in clientelistic networks. It hypothesizes that patriarchal societies simultaneously pressure women to participate in corrupt and clientelistic exchanges while stigmatizing their involvement. Combining survey methods with experimental designs, the study offers nuanced insights into how gender norms shape entrepreneurial experiences, highlighting structural barriers faced by women.