Phenomenon of social distrust: analysis of theoretical approaches and regional research practice

The purpose of this article is a theoretical and empirical analysis of the phenomenon of social distrust. During the study of theoretical and methodological approaches to this issue, we turn to scientific views of such scholars as F. Tennis, P. Sztompka, Giddens, Francis Fukuyama, A. Seligman and others. In the article there are four main areas of research to study the phenomenon of trust and confidence: economic, psychological, philosophical and sociological. The article considers the sociological concept to study social trust/distrust in more detail. This choice is based on the fact that the sociological approach to the study of the phenomena of trust/distrust in comparison with others has the important advantage that lies in the possibility of empirical testing of theories. Accumulated evidence of applied research in social distrust suggests that this phenomenon is not temporary. It is a regular index, which reflects the level of stability/instability of the society, there will be always a relevant and necessary subject of theoretical study and practical measurement. The article notes the presence of certain methodological developments for social research, aimed at studying social distrust in sociology. In Russia, conducting this kind of research is particularly relevant. This is due to the lengthy stages of transformation, the Russian society is experiencing. Many public opinion research centers are engaged in the analysis of various aspects of social trust/ distrust. In the Vologda Oblast the Institute of Socio-Economic Development of Territories of RAS carries out regular monitoring of public opinion, studies people’s trust in basic social institutions and interpersonal trust. This article presents an analysis of the dynamics of institutional distrust of the Vologda Oblast population in the period from 2010 to April 2015. In conclusion, it notes that the phenomenon of distrust can be regarded as an independent determinant of human behavior. To a greater or lesser extent, distrust is an attribute of any culture.