Jan Teorell who is doing research on corruption at the Institute of Political Science in Lund.
Photo: Lund University
Why do the students seem so pessimistic about a change for the better?
“When you talk about democracy and Africa, Ghana is usually mentioned as one of the most successful examples. But despite that, Ghana doesn’t have a larger or smaller problem with corruption compared to countries at a similar level of development. Corruption also nourishes pessimism, so it’s incredibly hard to change. I can imagine that if I were young and realized that only those who could bribe their way forward had a chance to get anywhere, I’d have a feeling of hopelessness as well.”
Does education have anything to do with fighting corruption?
“Depending on where you work, an education usually leads to higher demands and lesser acceptance of corruption. But at the same time, a high level of education usually leads to making more money, which makes you less likely to suffer from the corruption. Those that are harmed by corruption are primarily people living in poverty.”
Is there a decisive factor?
“That’s the million dollar question of the whole field of research. There isn’t an isolated one. What we’ve learned by now is that it’s possible to change it, but it is also very hard and demans dramatic changes. It isn’t done overnight.”
READ MORE: Studies without optimist
Text: Annika Skogar
Translation: Marie Eriksson
