Abstract
Levels of citizen trust in government and patterns of trust (including hierarchical and paradoxical trust) differ significantly across countries. How have these countries managed to sustain basic social order and stable regimes over long periods? Shifting our focus from specific to diffuse trust, we identify a common factor: parallel trust. Analyzing the data from 16 countries in the Asian Barometer Survey and 10 surveys within China, we find that irrespective of the degree of democracy, individuals who equally trust both central and local governments—termed “parallel trusters”—consistently form the majority, accounting for over 50% on average, with this figure standing at approximately 53% in China. Furthermore, regression analysis of data from China uncovers an unexpected level of rationality among its citizens. Their diffuse trust in government is more a result of governmental performance than cultural influences, offering fresh perspectives on the theories of diffuse and specific trust.
Presenters
Lianxiu QiStudent, Graduate Student, Chongqing University, School of Public Policy and Administration, China
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
KEYWORDS
Political trust,Diffuse trust,Specific trust,Parallel trust,government
