Relation between Civic Attitudes, Generalized and Institutional Trust in Six Regions of the Russian Federation

Abstract

Objective - The article presents an analysis of the relationship between generalized and institutional trust indicators and manifestation of civic representations, attitudes and behaviour in six Russian regions: Altai, Jewish Autonomous region, Trans-Baikal, Kemerovo, Omsk and Orenburg regions. Methodology/Technique - The data collected in 2015 from multistage stratified sample 2400 respondents and their age from 18 to 70 years. Findings – Among the studied regions, the highest levels of both interpersonal trust and confidence in social institutions were founded in the Jewish Autonomous Region, the lowest trust levels for many government entities and non-profit organizations are in the Trans-Baikal Territory, the Kemerovo Region and the Omsk region. The levels of civic participation are higher in regions with higher levels of trust. Novelty - The study suggests that trust, both interpersonal and institutional, are a factor in the development of civil society. Type of Paper - Empirical Keywords: Trust; Generalized Trust, Institutional Trust; Civic Attitudes; Civic Engagement; Civic Responsibility; Non-Profit Organizations; Regions of Russian Federation. JEL Classification: Z13, Z18.