Trust in the private sphere: What significance does it have for our society?

 

Result

Of all social networks, one's own family is the most stable. Not only does it play an important role for the individual, shaping and protecting them, but it also plays a central role in social cohesion. Within the population, eight out of ten people rely on their own family even in times of crisis, with the over 55s expressing significantly above-average approval.

 

Reasons

Family relationships play a central role throughout a child's development, creating a sense of security and trust. A loving environment helps children to gain emotional security and self-confidence and to develop their personality. In addition, the family is the first instance in which children learn moral values, norms, behaviour and social skills. In later years, the narrow core area expands and friends take on an important role. Their close bond is primarily based on shared experiences and peer dialogue partners. Even in adulthood, the vast majority of people rely on their long-standing relationships and their closest social environment and trust them.

The importance of close social relationships is particularly evident in times of crisis. For example, in the event of problems when looking for a job, training or studying, when making groundbreaking decisions, in the event of relationship problems, bullying or marginalisation, financial worries, identity crises or disorientation. Here, family and friends offer a safe haven where you can be sure of emotional support, comfort, encouragement, appreciation, guidance and help in making decisions. In the course of a person's life, crises then manifest themselves primarily in the areas of transitions - children moving out, separations, entering retirement - but also in health issues, deaths and in connection with isolation and loneliness. In addition, external crises can sometimes lead to internal conflict. These include, for example, political and social tensions, experiences of violence, natural disasters and pandemics, the effects of flight and migration or economic crises with high inflation and recession.

Through stable personal connections and positive experiences, citizens also develop greater trust in fellow citizens and institutions, thereby strengthening society's social capital. As a result, solidarity, a sense of responsibility, the ability to cooperate and the resilience of the community as a whole are promoted, as citizens with stable social connections recover more quickly from personal setbacks, especially in times of crisis. In addition, the family also provides practical help by reducing the burden on social institutions or social services, e.g. by providing support with education, employment, childcare, illness or temporary financial difficulties.

Other reasons for the high level of approval include: Familiarity due to the often long-term connections, the feeling of unconditional support and loyalty (this exists less often in other social networks), similar values and norms or the feeling of the family as a safe retreat where you are protected from external stresses and receive support at the same time.

The 55+ generation shows higher levels of trust in the family, as the social environment often becomes smaller with increasing age and close friendships become rarer. At the same time, there is a growing need for emotional and practical security, which is primarily provided by the family. Health restrictions sometimes make family support indispensable, be it for care, everyday life or emotional support. In addition, many older people are gradually withdrawing from professional and social commitments and focussing more on their private environment. As a result, the family becomes the central place for stability, support and security.

 

Forecast

The future of trust in family and friends paints a hopeful picture. In a world characterised by social, economic and political upheaval, the importance of personal relationships will continue to grow. The family remains a kind of indispensable anchor that offers people stability and security in all situations. Even more than at present, the family will offer emotional support, orientation and concrete help in the future.

The certainty of always having the support of one's closest social environment remains a decisive factor for personal well-being and social cohesion.

The structure of the family will continue to diversify without losing its central function. Patchwork families, multi-generational households and families of choice are increasingly being accepted and valued (again). This diversity enables people to feel at home in different constellations and to organise social relationships flexibly.

The importance of personal relationships will also increase in society as a whole. The more flexibility, individuality and unreliability increase in a multi-option society, the greater the need for and appreciation of reliability, solidarity and a sense of community. In the long term, trust in the family will play a key role in the resilience of modern societies. Personal ties not only create individual security, but also help to overcome social challenges together. It will therefore be important to continuously expand the high level of familiarity within family structures.