Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations
Political Compliance: An Exploratory Study of Corruption Normalization in Sierra Leone
Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Halmos College of Arts and Sciences - Department of Conflict Resolution Studies
First Advisor
Ismael Muvingi
Second Advisor
Elena Bastidas
Third Advisor
Robin Cooper
Keywords
Social research
Abstract
Over the years, there has been unseen progress in managing corruption in Sierra Leone. There is excessive focus on the levels and impacts of corruption, with little or no understanding of why the phenomenon persists in the first place. Through corruption, Sierra Leoneans experienced constant exploitation by those in authority, yet they remained acquiescent and supportive of these corrupt political elites and parties. To understand this problem, I explored the motivations for political compliance that have aided corruption normalization in Sierra Leone. As qualitative research, I employed the narrative method that elicited the experiences of participants. What emerges from the stories is that tribal-regional politics has been the major factor that influenced people's compliance with the wishes of their political elites. Participants believed that the political victory of one party was not only a political defeat for the other party but also a loss of recognition and material resources for its supporters and region. Therefore, northern tribes unwaveringly support the APC, believing that the party can politically free them from the discriminatory practices of Mende-dominated SLPP hegemony. Equally, the SLPP has maintained unwavering support among Southeasters by projecting a national hero image through highlighting historical liberation in ending the civil war and achieving democracy. These ideas trivialized political elites’ corruption and sparked tribal rivalries. This study can assist anti-corruption campaigners in developing strategies aimed at conscientizing the people of their power to question the stewardship of their political elites and their roles in eradicating corruption.
NSUWorks Citation
Thomas Tom Rogers. 2024. Political Compliance: An Exploratory Study of Corruption Normalization in Sierra Leone. Doctoral dissertation. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences - Department of Conflict Resolution Studies. (245)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/shss_dcar_etd/245.
