The Trust Gap

Where Distrust Is a Problem, Where It's Not, and Why That Matters
1. Auflage 2026
ISBN: 978-1-5292-5560-7
Verlag: Bristol University Press

Buch, Englisch, 208 Seiten, Format (B × H): 156 mm x 234 mm

The idea that a wave of distrust has swept over established democracies in recent years is commonly accepted. This book presents a contrary view. Drawing on various datasets, it reveals a disconnect between the popular commentary and the empirical reality.

The Trust Gap suggests that the most extreme cases — such as the US and the UK — distort our thinking about trust. It looks beyond trust in government to examine trust in a range of institutions, including courts, universities and the media. In doing so, it suggests that while countries such as the US do face a crisis of trust, many established democracies demonstrate resilience rather than vulnerability.

Using the framework of trust gaps, this book offers a stocktake on the state of trust in the 21st century, contributing a more nuanced and hopeful account than the headlines suggest.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Martin, Aaron

Fachgebiete

• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Politikwissenschaft Allgemein Politische Theorie, Politische Philosophie
• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Politische Systeme Demokratie
• Sozialwissenschaften Soziologie | Soziale Arbeit Soziologie Allgemein Empirische Sozialforschung, Statistik

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Introduction: Dissecting the ‘Crisis Of Trust’

1. Why Institutional Trust Matters

2. Trust Gap One: Who We Trust and Who We Don’t

3. Trust Gap Two: Who Trusts?

4. Trust Gap Three: How High Quality of Government/High Trust Countries Make Policy Work

5. Trust Gap Four: Trust in the Media Versus Trust in Experts

6. Bridging Trust Gaps

Über Autor(innen)

Aaron Martin is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Melbourne, Australia. He is the author of two books, Young People and Politics and, with Keith Dowding, Policy Agendas in Australia, and has published widely on public opinion and political behaviour.