THE ROUTLEDGE HANDBOOK OF ANTI- CORRUPTION RESEARCH AND PRACTICE: Why do they fail, and how can “backfire” effects be avoided?

Anti-corruption strategies almost always contain an awareness-raising element. A recent, growing body of research has focused on the effects of such messaging. We offer a summary of the findings so far which collectively suggest that messaging will either likely have no real impact or risk ‘backfiring’, making people more pessimistic about the problem. Insights from social norms, political psychology, and political behavioural literatures help to make sense of this disappointing record. They highlight why raising awareness about corruption can inspire resignation, how hopeful messaging is likely to be dismissed, and why attitudes about corruption are especially difficult to shift. The only way to ensure that anti-corruption campaigns avoid wasting money and backfiring is to test their impact before they are deployed.