Actualités

Trusting up: How Social Hierarchies shape Social Trust

Date : Jeudi | 2025-04-30 à 12h30
Lieu : Salle des thèses

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Catherine BROS (LÉO, Université de Tours)

This paper examines the impact of social hierarchy on trust dynamics within the Indian caste system, building on social identity theory. We find that higher castes enjoy a trust surplus from lower castes, which is only partially reduced when caste identity is emphasized. This asymmetrical trust premium is linked to the higher status of upper castes and is supported by narratives about caste success and failure. Our findings integrate social psychology and economics literature, highlighting how hierarchical relationships influence inter-group trust and contribute to the perpetuation of social hierarchies. The paper provides empirical evidence and discusses implications for understanding trust in fragmented and hierarchical societies.