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2023 Social Science Problem set exercise 1 SOS 223
Typology: Exercises
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Problem: In a community experiencing a rise in distrust between residents and law enforcement, the local government introduces a program aimed at fostering better relationships. This program includes regular town hall meetings, community policing efforts, and social activities that bring residents and officers together. However, after a year, surveys show that while the frequency of interaction has increased, overall trust levels have not improved significantly. Question: Why has trust between the community and law enforcement remained stagnant despite increased interaction? What additional steps could the government take to improve trust based on social science theories? Answer: Trust is not built through mere frequency of interaction but through the quality of those interactions and the perception of fairness and mutual respect. According to Social Exchange Theory , trust develops when both parties feel that interactions are reciprocal and beneficial. In this case, if community members feel that the increased interactions are superficial or one-sided (e.g., law enforcement maintaining power without addressing concerns), trust is unlikely to improve. Additionally, Procedural Justice Theory suggests that people are more likely to trust authorities if they perceive them as acting fairly and transparently, showing concern for the community’s needs. If the police are perceived as not addressing deeper issues like racial profiling or excessive use of force, these efforts might be seen as performative. Steps to Improve Trust: