Abstract
Abstract
This chapter explores the consequences of low and declining rates of trust. If trust represents an individual’s ‘loyalty’ to the political system, low trust might induce either citizen ‘voice’ or ‘exit’. The evidence for each of these forms of behaviour is reviewed. The chapter explores how far low trust stimulates such exit behaviours as engaging in protest activities, supporting anti-system parties, seeking reform of the political system, and rejecting an activist role for national governments. It also explores the effects of low trust on voice behaviours, notably abstaining from elections, ignoring official information and guidance, and failing to comply with important collective obligations. The evidence suggests that while low and declining trust leads to various problems for the political system, there is little sign of it triggering a crisis of public governance.
Publisher
Oxford University PressOxford
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