Gender Differences in Perceptions of Corruption: Insights from Bhutan

Abstract

Corruption, a global issue harming governance and quality of life, disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, with gender differences in perceptions influenced by cultural norms, social roles, and resource access. A thorough understanding of these differences is essential for creating effective and inclusive anti-corruption strategies. This study investigates gender differences in corruption perceptions among 11,142 respondents in Bhutan, focusing on the seriousness, trends, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) performance, and the prevalence of corruption offences. The findings show significant gender disparities: men view corruption as more severe and increasing over time compared to women, influenced by societal roles and experiences. Women rate ACC performance lower than men, shaped by differing expectations and levels of trust. Furthermore, perceptions of corruption offences vary significantly by gender, highlighting the need for gender-sensitive anti-corruption strategies tailored to societal contexts and roles. These insights enhance understanding of gender dynamics in corruption perception and inform targeted policy interventions.