Trust as a Social Construct

Trust as a social construct means that trust isn’t just an individual feeling, but something created and maintained through social interactions, shared norms, and cultural beliefs. It’s built by consistent honest behavior, reputation, and mutual expectations within a community or society. Over time, these shared understandings shape whether people feel confident to rely on each other, institutions, or systems. Essentially, trust is a collective agreement that others will act predictably and fairly, enabling cooperation and social cohesion. It exists because society fosters and sustains it through norms, communication, and shared values.