30217
Advanced seminar
Trust in European Societies
Elgen Sauerborn
Comments
Trust is a fundamental element of social life and shapes social interactions, institutions and systems. However, late modern societies are characterized by a profound crisis of trust. Global conflicts and wars, political populism, economic instability and environmental crises all contribute to the erosion of trust in institutions, experts and in each other.
This course is structured in two parts. In the first part, we will discuss different sociological definitions and approaches to trust and examine its dimensions on an interpersonal, institutional and systemic level. We will explore classical sociological theories alongside contemporary perspectives, including relational and behavioral approaches, as well as the concept of social capital. The second part deals with the current “crisis of trust”, which is characterized by widespread mistrust in democratic institutions, science, the media, experts and other people. Based on current literature and empirical studies, we will examine the dynamics and consequences of the erosion of trust in European societies. We will critically analyze where and in what way trust is eroding and how it manifests across social, political and economic spheres. Special attention will be given to the methodological challenges of studying trust to provide students with tools for empirical research and conceptual analysis. close
This course is structured in two parts. In the first part, we will discuss different sociological definitions and approaches to trust and examine its dimensions on an interpersonal, institutional and systemic level. We will explore classical sociological theories alongside contemporary perspectives, including relational and behavioral approaches, as well as the concept of social capital. The second part deals with the current “crisis of trust”, which is characterized by widespread mistrust in democratic institutions, science, the media, experts and other people. Based on current literature and empirical studies, we will examine the dynamics and consequences of the erosion of trust in European societies. We will critically analyze where and in what way trust is eroding and how it manifests across social, political and economic spheres. Special attention will be given to the methodological challenges of studying trust to provide students with tools for empirical research and conceptual analysis. close
11 Class schedule
Regular appointments
Thu, 2025-04-17 14:00 - 16:00
Thu, 2025-04-24 14:00 - 16:00
Thu, 2025-05-15 14:00 - 16:00
Thu, 2025-05-22 14:00 - 16:00
Thu, 2025-06-05 14:00 - 16:00
Thu, 2025-06-12 14:00 - 16:00
Thu, 2025-06-19 14:00 - 16:00
Thu, 2025-07-03 14:00 - 16:00
Thu, 2025-07-10 14:00 - 16:00
Thu, 2025-07-17 14:00 - 16:00
Thu, 2025-07-17 16:00 - 18:00