Trofimova I.N. Trust in institutions: main factors and socio-political context. In: Russian society and challenges of the time. Book five ...

Abstract

Being based on the results of sociological monitoring, this study is focused on the problem of trust in public institutions in contemporary Russian society. Particular attention is paid to the structure and dynamics of trust in the context of the current events and processes. A theoretical and methodological basis of research is the set of provisions considering the trust as a complex phenomenon in individuals’ interaction in the face of uncertainty and risks. It is shown that institutional trust is in a constant dynamics under the influence of diverse and divergent processes. This is especially characteristic with regard to transitional societies, where at the same time are stable and situational, objective and subjective, external and internal factors. The study found a concentration of trust around the institutions that implement state interests – President, Government, Military and Orthodox Church. In turn the institutions that implement private (individual, group, corporate, regional) interests have a low level of trust. These include parliament (State Dumas), courts, local self-government, political parties, trade unions, non-governmental organizations. All this indicates a lack of a real solidarity in the Russian society. Also we can see a spreading of parallel (informal and shadow) institutional trust's structures like as favoritism, corruption, and nepotism.