Last week, Lomez shared a striking contrast between two very different experiences in Montana and Washington DC, highlighting the concept of high-trust versus low-trust societies. This observation resonates deeply with many who have witnessed the erosion of social trust in urban areas compared to the enduring trust in rural communities.

The Montana Experience

In Montana, Lomez recounts visiting a fly shop where the clerk allowed him to walk out with a $1000 fishing rod to test it at a nearby park without even taking his ID. This level of trust is emblematic of a high-trust society, where interpersonal relationships and shared ethical values facilitate such interactions without the need for stringent security measures.

The DC Experience

Contrastingly, in Washington DC, Lomez had to ask permission to buy a can of shaving cream locked behind a glass case at a CVS. This scenario is indicative of a low-trust society, where the prevalence of theft and mistrust necessitates such security measures, even for everyday items.

Understanding High-Trust and Low-Trust Societies

The distinction between high-trust and low-trust societies is not just anecdotal but is supported by research. According to Wikipedia, a high-trust society is characterized by a high degree of mutual trust based on a prior moral consensus, whereas a low-trust society lacks this interpersonal trust and shared ethical values. This difference manifests in various aspects of daily life, from business transactions to community interactions.

Examples of High-Trust Societies

• In Cody, Wyoming, vendors at an antique gun show leave their tables unattended, trusting that their goods will remain secure.
• Small towns in Montana, where leaving valuable items unsecured is still common practice.

Examples of Low-Trust Societies

• Urban areas like DC, where even basic items like shaving cream are locked away.
• Cities with high crime rates, where security measures are pervasive.

The Impact of Social Trust

The decline in social trust in the United States has been a topic of concern, as noted in a study on ScienceDirect. The study suggests that individual-level factors, such as decreasing confidence in institutions and increasing unemployment, explain about half of the observed decline in US social trust from 1973 to 2018. This erosion of trust affects not only personal interactions but also broader societal functions like respect for private property rights and voluntary tax payment.

Conclusion

The comparison between Montana and DC serves as a poignant reminder of what has been lost in many parts of the country. High-trust societies like those found in rural America offer a glimpse into a past where community and trust were the norm. As we navigate the challenges of modern life, understanding and perhaps striving to rebuild these trust-based communities could be a step towards a more cohesive society.

For those interested in the cultural and societal shifts, exploring the dynamics of high-trust and low-trust societies can provide valuable insights into the fabric of our communities.