Perceptions and experiences in Madagascar: Where do the gaps come from when measuring corruption, criminal violence, and discrimination.

This article investigates the relationship between perception and experience indicators used to measure corruption, criminal violence, and discrimination in Madagascar, utilizing data from the African Union's "Gouvernance, Paix et Sécurité" (GPS-SHaSA) surveys. The study finds generally weak correlations between perceptions and experiences for corruption and criminal violence, but a stronger correlation for discrimination, suggesting these indicators capture partly different yet complementary aspects of these phenomena. Key factors influencing both perception and experience include trust in the administration, contact with public institutions, media exposure, and education, with some variables affecting perception and experience divergently depending on the concept. The authors recommend that researchers, policymakers, and practitioners distinguish clearly between perception and experience measures when analyzing governance-related issues, as relying solely on one may overlook important dimensions of corruption, crime, and discrimination.