social trust

[/ˈsoʊʃəl trʌst/]
noun
confiança social
1. The confidence and belief that members of a society have in one another, institutions, and the social system as a whole
High levels of social trust are essential for a functioning democracy.
Altos níveis de confiança social são essenciais para uma democracia funcionando.
2. The willingness to rely on others and believe in their honesty, integrity, and good intentions
Social trust broke down after the government scandal.
A confiança social diminuiu após o escândalo do governo.
3. Generalized trust in strangers and institutions within a community
Countries with higher social trust tend to have better economic outcomes.
Países com maior confiança social tendem a ter melhores resultados econômicos.
In Brazil, social trust discussions are particularly relevant given historical issues with institutional corruption and inequality. The concept is central to debates about governance reform and social cohesion. In the USA, social trust often relates to debates about polarization and institutional credibility. Both societies view declining social trust as a significant challenge to democratic and economic stability.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
interpersonal trustcivic trustinstitutional trustgeneralized trustmutual confidence
Antonyms / Antônimos
social distrustskepticismcynicismsuspicionmistrust

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
confiança social
Standard term used in academic and political discourse
Rio de Janeiro
confiança social / confiança na comunidade
Often discussed in context of community safety and favela relations
São Paulo
confiança social
Commonly used in business and institutional contexts
Portugal
confiança social / confiança cívica
More formal usage, often paired with confiança institucional

Related Words

social capitalcivic engagementinstitutional legitimacysocial cohesioncommunity trusttransparency

Related Idioms & Phrases

break someone's trust
earn trust
restore confidence
faith in the system
bonds of trust
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