Trust and Risk

Trust, like risk, has been defined from an array of contrasting perspectives. Studies of trust have explored the dynamics of dyadic and group interactions and relations, the forms and functions of organisational processes, and variations in social and political norms and structures across regions and countries. The purpose of this chapter is not to attempt a comprehensive list of conceptual approaches but rather to consider some of the most important ways by which trust can be related to risk. In doing so, we will consider how the study of trust illuminates important social processes around risk.