Trust as a Social Problem

The article draws on sociological data to analyze the principal trends and challenges affecting the formation of trust in contemporary Russian society, with a particular focus on mediation processes. The analysis centers on the relationship between generalized and interpersonal trust, especially during periods of crisis. The findings reveal a significant trust deficit in Russian society, a condition that undermines a critical resource for social consensus and cohesion. At present, a majority of Russians report considerable distrust or heightened wariness toward strangers. Despite this trend, levels of generalized trust have shown a notable positive shift in recent years. This improvement is attributed to a shrinking share of respondents who believe one must always be cautious with others and by the expansion of a “middle” cluster – those who judge whether to trust others depending on the person and context. These shifts largely reflect a greater public readiness to foster solidarity in response to mounting internal and external threats. Notably, this period has also seen a strengthening of inter-ethnic trust, a key component of national consolidation. Under conditions of prolonged instability and uncertainty, mass consciousness has become increasingly contradictory and susceptible to situational factors. At the same time, while Russians report rising satisfaction with their lives and high levels of subjective happiness, interpersonal trust has shown some decline. An increased willingness to help others and to engage in collective action now coexists with a diminished expectation of receiving support from one’s immediate social circle. From the perspective of mediation processes, these trends indicate a potential shift away from a rigid trust–distrust dichotomy toward a more rational, discerning basis for social trust. This underscores the need for social mechanisms that translate orientations toward generalized trust into everyday interpersonal practice.

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