Abstract
Understanding bureaucratic corruption in access to public services and exit mechanisms particularly for the poor remains a core question in the economics of corruption literature. This paper examines the role of social networks in easing bureaucratic corruption in the demand for public services, using a bivariate ordered probit model and the sixth wave of the Afrobarometer survey from 36 African countries between 2014–2015. The main results suggest that not all citizens are victims of corrupt public officials, as social networks serve as substitutes or potential exit options out of corruption. However, individuals who face multiple deprivations lack access to public services as they are not able to use their social networks to ease access. Individuals who do not face difficulties in accessing public services employ social networks as complements to their corrupt acts to “get ahead”. We discuss these findings in line with poverty eradication strategies and anti-corruption policies in Africa.
•Corruption hinders public service access in Africa but not all citizens are victims.•Officials are likely to be more corrupt than citizens in demanding public services.•Corruption eases the poor’s access to public services in Africa•Civic networks serve as an exit option from corruption, and a way to “get ahead”.•Poverty eradication and anti-corruption are key for service access for the deprived.