Which factors contribute to social trust and social cohesion?

• A. Fair institutions, inclusive governance, shared norms, transparency, and opportunities for participation.
• B. Secrecy and closed governance.
• C. High unemployment and inequality alone.
• D. Constant political change without participation.

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is that social trust and social cohesion grow from how institutions shape everyday life: fairness, openness, and people having a real say in decisions. When institutions are fair, people believe rules are applied equally and that they’re treated with respect, which reduces suspicion and resentment. Inclusive governance matters because when diverse groups feel represented, they’re more likely to invest in and support the community as a whole. Shared norms give people common expectations about how to behave and cooperate, which smooths social interactions and reduces conflict. Transparency is crucial because it shows decisions aren’t hidden or self-serving, building confidence that leaders act in the public interest. Finally, opportunities for participation let people influence outcomes, reinforcing legitimacy and trust in the system, which strengthens the social fabric.

Secrecy and closed governance make people feel left out and suspicious, eroding trust. High unemployment and inequality can strain cohesion, but they don’t by themselves foster trust and cooperation the way fair, participatory, and transparent governance does. Constant political change without participation undermines stability and trust because people feel they have no control or voice.