Essays in political economy and crime economics

This dissertation studies how non-monetary frictions---such as temptation, information salience, and time constraints---shape individual behavior in contexts where formal institutions are otherwise well-functioning. Combining theoretical analysis with micro-level empirical evidence, the three chapters examine how these frictions affect selection into public employment and participation in democratic processes. By emphasizing micro-level mechanisms rather than institutional failures alone, the dissertation contributes to the understanding of public-sector composition, electoral behavior, and democratic representation.