New women mayors lower corruption risks through network exclusion

Marginalization TheoryFrench MunicipalitiesRegression Discontinuity DesignTenure EffectEuropean Politics CPS 1 Stata file 2 datasets Dataverse

Recent studies show a correlation between female representation in government and reduced corruption.

This paper examines French municipal elections using regression discontinuity and first difference designs. We track the impact of newly elected vs re-elected women mayors on corruption levels over time.

Our findings reveal:

Women mayors initially reduce corruption risks through deliberate network exclusion
This effect disappears in municipalities where women are reelected

These results align with marginalization theories but suggest adaptation to corrupt networks is key for longevity.

Will Women Executives Reduce Corruption? Marginalization and Network Inclusion was authored by Monika Bauhr and Nicholas Charron. It was published by Sage in CPS in 2021.