Perceptions of Trust in the Context of Social Cohesion in Selected Rural Communities of South Africa

Fundiswa T. Khaile (), Nicolette V. Roman, Kezia R. October, Maria Van Staden and Tolulope V. Balogun
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Fundiswa T. Khaile: School of Government, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa
Nicolette V. Roman: Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Families and Society, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa
Kezia R. October: Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Families and Society, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa
Maria Van Staden: Gender Equity Unit, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa
Tolulope V. Balogun: Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Families and Society, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa

Social Sciences, 2022, vol. 11, issue 8, 1-16

Abstract: Although nuances around the definitions and contextualization of social cohesion subsist, this paper views social cohesion through the lens of social cooperation and togetherness within a collective in geopolitical terms, expressed in the attitudes and behaviours of its members. In many countries, including South Africa, social cohesion remains an ideal to strive for and achieve. Extant studies suggest that trust is one of the key factors in building social cohesion. As such, this paper aims to explore trust in the context of social cohesion. This study attempts to address the knowledge gaps regarding the views, feelings, and experiences around trust and also make a contribution to the qualitative inquiry of trust in the context of social cohesion in rural communities of South Africa. Accordingly, the perceptions and experiences of people in two rural communities (Lambert’s Bay and Philippolis) regarding trust in the context of social cohesion were explored. A qualitative methodology was employed in order to gain a deeper understanding of the perceptions of trust. A total of 19 participants were interviewed, comprising of community stakeholders and parents. A semi-structured interview schedule was used to collect data in face-to-face interviews with participants. Data collected were analysed using Braun and Clark’s thematic analysis. The study found that trust among community members in both Lambert’s Bay and Philippolis was limited. In instances where there was trust, it was mainly amongst participants who know each other compared to individuals who do not know each other. Thus, in both communities, generalised trust continues to be a challenge.

Keywords: trust; social cohesion; community; low socio-economic; South Africa (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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