Blog 4: Uganda: Are Women Less Corrupt Than Men?

    Getting women into the government and political system is a controversial debate, however studies have shown that that there are connections between higher representation of women in government and lower levels of corruption in society. These statistics came from countries such as Europe, Africa, and Asia. The argument against women holding more power is that the corruption they endure would go unnoticed therefore it would be worse. Another study found that women are less likely to participate in any type of bribes, therefore making the tolerance levels for corruption a result of gender differences. Women are more likely to rise in positions of power in open and democratic political systems. Verveer, the US ambassador, thinks that through changing the inequality in gender would solve problems not just about women in political power, but other problems concerning gender differences. The psychology behind this potential difference is that women are more likely to take their time before attempting a position or problem and think it through step by step. While men tend to rise to situations without much thought or knowledge. Regardless of gender, a professional, well trained person could do the job.
    This article was directed towards women’s political power and role in the government in Uganda, however, it applies all across the world. The government is predominantly men, but over the past decades women have stepped up more and more. This article provides studies that show that women are as capable if not more capable of making knowledgeable and accurate decisions without creating a corrupt society. The studies that show that women are less likely to take part in bribe taking covers a large portion of the world creating a useful and widespread analysis. More women coming into power would be a helpful way a preventing future corruption as well as providing men and women with the proper knowledge and training to be in that role. 

http://allafrica.com/stories/201302131225.html?viewall=1

Lauren Doss, 11:27AM, 2/15/2013