The interconnection between generalized trust and corruption practices of the population (results of sociological research in Altai Krai)

Abstract

The relevance of the topic is determined by the importance of the category of generalized trust, which is recognized, within the framework of the concept of social capital, as the foundation for developing the attitude of trust as «a priori benevolence», which can later be considered as the basis for reducing the corruption practices of the population. The low degree and lack of generalized trust can generate a calm attitude towards corruption and facilitate the participation of the population in corrupt activities. A high degree of trust in an individual contributes to confidence in the actions carried out by them, their compliance with established norms, rules or agreements, due to which the likelihood of the implementation of corrupt actions is minimized. This duality of the relationship between corruption and trust is explained by the existence of different forms and levels of trust in society, when different types of trust play their «role». The purpose of the study is to identify the presence of interconnection of generalized trust and corruption in the Altai Krai’s society. The basis of this article consists of integrative theoretical and methodological background, which includes concepts of theories of trust and of corruptogenicity of a society. The novelty of the research lies in the identification of possible points of interdependence of social trust and corruption in society. The article focuses on the sociological analysis of corruption practices and public perceptions of corruption. The level of coverage of everyday corruption and the degree of generalized trust among the population of Altai Krai were determined based on the results of a sociological survey of the urban and rural population aged 18 to 70 years (n = 1200). Corrupt practices of the population are presented in the work by the level of involvement of the population in everyday corruption for the sixteen proposed situations of contacting state authorities. The hypotheses about the presence of interconnection/dependence between generalized trust and corrupt practices were tested. For some figures, a connection was found between socio-demographic characteristics, the degree of generalized trust, the coverage of domestic corruption and its demand. The dependence of some corrupt practices on generalized trust were also revealed. The authors have used regression analysis in the present research.