The Roots of High Trust Societies: A Societal Evolution

High trust societies, such as those found in Norway, the Nordic countries, and places like Canada and Switzerland, are known for their cohesive communities and efficient governance. This article explores the underlying factors that contribute to the establishment and maintenance of trust within these societies, drawing insights from historical, cultural, and contemporary perspectives.

Introduction to High Trust Societies

High trust societies are characterized by a high level of interpersonal trust among their citizens. These areas often exhibit lower levels of corruption, more transparency, and better societal cohesion. One notable example is Norway, a country that ranks highly in global trust indices.

Historical and Cultural Factors

Much research has been conducted on the reasons behind these high levels of trust. According to various studies, there are several key factors at play:

Small Homogeneous Populations: Smaller countries with homogenous populations, like Norway, tend to have a more unified set of values and beliefs. It is easier to build trust and agreement among a smaller number of like-minded individuals. Harsh Climate: Harsh climates, such as the polar regions, necessitated the formation of tight-knit communities where mutual trust was crucial for survival during long winters. Communities relied on each other for warmth, food, and support. Historical Mercantilism: Many high trust societies were built on the principles of mercantilism, where the collective well-being of the community was prioritized over individual gain. Religious Influence: While Christianity has been often cited as a factor in these societies, the real reason likely lies in the shared values of community living and ethics derived from empathy and cooperation.

The Virtuous Circle of Trust

A key aspect of high trust societies is the self-reinforcing nature of trust. Once a certain level of trust is established, it creates a virtuous cycle where individuals and institutions are more likely to act transparently and cooperatively, leading to even higher levels of trust.

Trust in Business: When businesses operate with transparency and integrity, it builds trust among consumers and partners, leading to long-term relationships and economic stability. Trust in Government: When governments operate with integrity and transparency, it fosters public trust, leading to better governance and societal prosperity. Trust in Community: When community members trust each other, it leads to better social cohesion and a stronger sense of mutual support.

The Role of Empathy and Ethical Guidance

Trust in these societies is not solely driven by religious beliefs but more so by the underlying ethic of empathy. People in high trust societies are less likely to justify harmful behaviors (such as robbery, rape, and murder) as a result of fear of punishment (e.g., hellfire). Instead, they base their actions on a genuine sense of empathy and the desire to help others.

Empathy, in this context, refers to the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It is a fundamental moral principle that binds individuals in high trust societies, making it easier to establish and maintain trust through mutual respect and cooperation.

Conclusion

The development of high trust societies is a result of a blend of historical, cultural, and ethical factors. These societies have evolved through centuries of shared values, communal living, and ethical guidance derived from empathy.

By understanding the roots of high trust societies, we can better appreciate the importance of trust in building cohesive and prosperous communities. Today, the lessons learned from these societies can inform our efforts in fostering trust and cooperation in our own communities.

Further Reading

African countries would have a five-fold increase in GDP per capita if they had the same level of inherited social attitudes as Sweden after controlling for lagged GDP per capita, contemporaneous political environment, and time-invariant country characteristics. Research on trust and societal development in high trust countries such as Norway and the Nordic nations.