Exploring the Determinants of Student Attitudes towards Corruption in Guatemala: Are Economics Students Different?

Abstract

This study explores the micro-determinants of corruption tolerance among 1414 university students in Guatemala, a country grappling with significant corruption issues. By examining the attitudes of economics majors compared to students in other disciplines through ordered logistic regression analysis, we offer new insights into factors influencing corruption tolerance in a developing country setting. This approach, by focusing on a developing country, fills a research gap in the literature on the differences between economics students and their peers from other programs. We find that economics students exhibit a greater tolerance for corruption. This result aligns with theories and research that suggest that economists show a profit-maximizing mindset, and distinctive values and fairness perceptions. Furthermore, our analysis reveals significant effects of gender and age on corruption tolerance, with women and older students reporting lower tolerance to corrupt practices. The study also uncovers the higher tolerance towards private versus public corruption. These findings provide valuable guidance for developing policies and educational initiatives to reduce corruption tolerance among future professionals in similar socio-economic environments.