Support for Democracy, Ideological Affinity, and the Perception of Corruption: Evidence From Chile, 2006–2023

ABSTRACT Discontent and dissatisfaction with democracy are often associated with the perception of corruption, especially in Latin American settings. Since the literature shows that people develop democratic values independently of their interaction with democratic institutions and they arrive at conclusions that are consistent with their beliefs, we explore the association between diffuse and specific support for democracy and the perception of corruption. Using seven waves of LAPOP surveys for Chile (2006–2023), we show that diffuse support (support for the political system) and specific support (satisfaction with democracy) for democracy are negatively associated with perceived corruption among public officials and politicians. We find no moderation by ideological affinity with the government. Individuals who do not place themselves on the left–right scale are more likely to perceive corruption. Results are consistent with motivated reasoning: democratic values and evaluations shape how people interpret information about corruption. Related Articles Aguiar Aguilar, A. A. 2023. “Courts and the Judicial Erosion of Democracy in Latin America.” Politics & Policy 51, no. 1: 7–25. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12516 . Lagunes, P. F. 2012. “Corruption's Challenge to Democracy: A Review of the Issues.” Politics & Policy 40, no. 5: 802–826. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2012.00384.x . Kostadinova, T., and M. I. Neshkova. 2025. “Personalist Leadership and Corruption: Evidence from Third Wave Democracies.” Politics & Policy 53, no. 4: e70056. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.70056 .