Discussion Paper 
More Civil Participation – Less Corruption?
Wherever citizen participation is strong, there is less corruption. Benny Geys and Nicolas Grießhaber have reviewed this thesis, broadly present in research, within 20 European democracies. Their conclusion: It depends on the type of participation. Only “inclusive” citizen associations have positive effects, which are those that are open, are involved in working for the benefit of the community and have members that are also active in other inclusive organizations.
Some forms of participation are even detrimental. In contrast to inclusive associations, exclusive ones have very strong internal cohesion, pursue special interests and do not work for the benefit of the entire community. Principles such as reciprocity and trust are valid only in view of their own members. This favors nepotism and corruption. Typical example: the mafia.
