Trust-Building Mechanisms and Strategies for Social Cohesion and Sustainable Peace Amongst a South African Sample

Building trust is crucial for fostering social cohesion and achieving sustainable peace, particularly in environments marked by inequality, crime, and fragmented social networks. Trust-building mechanisms and strategies provide a good basis for strengthening social cohesion. This study explores the mechanisms and strategies through which a South African sample develops and sustains trust. Social Exchange Theory, which emphasises that trust is built through reciprocal actions and mutual benefits, provides the theoretical foundation for this research. A qualitative study was conducted. Twenty-five urban (15) and rural (10) participants were interviewed. The findings revealed that at the individual level, trust is established through open communication, consistent actions, and mutual reciprocity. At the family level, emotional support, conflict resolution, and the fulfillment of roles and responsibilities within the family structure were found to strengthen trust. In community contexts, trust was enhanced through collective participation in meetings, social activities, and a reliance on institutional trust in services such as policing and healthcare. A notable difference emerged between urban and rural areas: while rural communities tended to rely on long-standing, relationship-based mechanisms for trust-building, urban communities faced greater challenges, including high crime rates and a lack of confidence in institutions, which hindered the development of trust. The study underscores the importance of context-specific approaches to trust-building, highlighting the unique challenges that urban and rural areas face. Recommendations include improving communication channels, reinforcing family and community support networks, and addressing safety concerns to foster trust and promote enduring social cohesion and peace in both urban and rural settings.