The Age of Suspicion

Abstract

The generalised mood of modern times is that trust is on the wane and that this is problematic (Misztal, 1996; Duffy, Williams and Hall, 2004). A widespread consciousness has emerged that existing bases for social cooperation, solidarity and consensus have been eroded. When this erosion began is hard to pinpoint. Some suggest the 1980s, with its deregulation, privatisation and reliance on individualistic culture (Galbraith, 1992). Others (for instance, Michael Redley, this volume) suggest much earlier. What is certain is that from the 1950s onwards, polls and surveys proliferate showing the absence of trust in key institutions, while the news regularly proclaims a crisis of trust (in politicians’ character and policies; experts’ pronouncements; the competence and integrity of private and state institutions, and so on). This decline in trust matters because there are strong links between levels of trust and all sorts of positive social, political and economic outcomes. These matters are discussed further in Chapter 2.