Trust: A Sociological TheoryPiotr Sztompka here presents a major work of social theory, which gives a comprehensive theoretical account of trust as a fundamental component of human actions. Professor Sztompka s detailed and systematic study takes account of the rich evolving research on trust, and provides conceptual and typological clarifications and explications of the notion itself, its meaning, foundations and functions. He offers an explanatory model of the emergence (or decay) of trust-cultures, and relates the theoretical to the historical by examining the collapse of communism in 1989 and the emergence of a post-communist social order. Piotr Sztompka illustrates and supports his claims with statistical data and his own impressive empirical study of trust, carried out in Poland at the end of the nineties. Trust: A Sociological Theory is a conceptually creative and elegant work in which scholars and students of sociology, political science and social philosophy will find much of interest. |
Contents
The turn toward soft variables in sociological theory | 1 |
The idea of trust | 18 |
Varieties of trust | 41 |
Foundations of trust | 69 |
The functions of trust | 102 |
The culture of trust | 119 |
Trust in democracy and autocracy | 139 |
Trust and rapid social change a case study | 151 |
Notes | 191 |
Bibliography | 197 |
Index | 207 |
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Common terms and phrases
abuse accountability actions agencies anomie axiological Banfield bets of trust breaches of trust CBOS Bulletin citizens commitment communist complex conduct considered cooperation covenant marriage crucial cues culture of distrust culture of trust democracy democratic domain Durkheim economic elites emergence enforcement entrusting estimates of trustworthiness Eurobarometer example expectations factor feeling fiduciary Francis Fukuyama functions of trust future Gambetta Giddens grant trust groups Hardin human important indicated individual institutions interests interpersonal Jacek Kuron Jagiellonian University Luhmann Marody Merton moral networks normative objects operation organizations orientation partners percent pervasive Piotr Sztompka placing trust Poland Polish political politicians possible postcommunist potential predictions produce provides raise reciprocate regime relationships relevant reputation responsible risk roles rules situation social social capital sociology solidarity specific structural Sztompka tions traditional trust culture trust or distrust trusting impulse types typical uncertainty University various