Economic Strain and Perceptions of Social Cohesion in Europe: Does Institutional Trust Matter? (forthcoming)

摘要: markdownabstract__Abstract__ The degree to which different social groups get along is a key indicator of the cohesiveness of a society. This study examines perceptions cohesion amongst Europeans and explains variations in those by considering separate and combined effects of economic strain institutional trust. Analyses were conducted with 27 member countries EU based on Eurobarometer 74.1 poverty exclusion conducted 2010. Results show that individuals living households experiencing economic strain perceive be weaker than their less economically hard-pressed counterparts. By contrast, trusting political institutions perceived there be higher levels cohesion. Furthermore, trust substantially moderates negative relationship between economic These results are robust to various model specifications. Moreover, extending analysis revealed this moderating effect held when relations poor rich different racial ethnic groups. Theoretical practical implications discussed.