SOCIAL TRUST AND POLITICAL PARTICIPATION: HOW TRUST INFLUENCES CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Abstract

Social trust is a key determinant of political participation, influencing how citizens engage with political processes and institutions. Trust in government, fellow citizens, and the political system itself significantly impacts the willingness of individuals to participate in civic activities such as voting, attending protests, or engaging in community discussions. In Pakistan, social trust has been under scrutiny as it affects the levels of political engagement and shapes public opinion on governance. This article explores the relationship between social trust and political participation, focusing on how different dimensions of trust (government, social, institutional) influence civic engagement in Pakistan. By drawing on comparative studies and empirical data, the paper delves into the mechanisms through which trust fosters or hinders political participation, and how these dynamics are manifested in the context of Pakistan’s evolving political landscape.