Sesión 11. Confianza urbana y cohesión social: perspectivas y prácticas.

Name: Sesión 11. Confianza urbana y cohesión social: perspectivas y prácticas.
Uploaded: 2024-05-09T05:18:44.000Z
Duration: 3 h 56 min 41 s

Welcome to the Session

Introduction to the Thematic Session

The session is the eleventh thematic meeting of the Colombian Chair on Citizenship, Integrity, and Anti-Corruption.

Participants include citizens from various countries, public officials, and members of the educational community.

Today's focus is on trust and its role in social cohesion within urban governance.

Guest Speakers

Professors Wilson Herrera and Gabriel Borquez are introduced as today's speakers.

A conference by a Harvard professor will also be shared to facilitate dialogue with guests.

Understanding Trust in Urban Life

Professor Wilson Herrera's Presentation

Professor Herrera expresses gratitude for the invitation and acknowledges logistical support from Diego.

He emphasizes that trust is a central concept in daily life experiences within cities.

Key Concepts of Trust

Trust is fundamental for interpersonal relationships and societal functioning; without it, institutions struggle to operate effectively.

Societies characterized by distrust face significant challenges; effective cooperation becomes difficult without mutual confidence among individuals.

Economic Perspectives on Trust

C. Wright Mills' ideas highlight that trust enhances organizational performance; organizations thrive when there’s internal confidence.

Robert Putnam's concept of social capital suggests that trust reduces transaction costs related to monitoring and control within institutions.

Implications of Trust on Cooperation

High levels of trust facilitate easier exchange of ideas, proposals, and initiatives among individuals or groups.

Understanding Trust in Interpersonal and Institutional Contexts

The Role of Trust in Organizations

Trust enhances organizational effectiveness by fostering collective projects, allowing for better exchange of ideas without fear of appropriation.

Carlos Perea, a Uruguayan philosopher, provides an in-depth analysis of trust, emphasizing its moral and ethical dimensions within institutional frameworks.

Elements Constituting Trust

Perea describes trust as a combination of desires, beliefs, emotions, and attitudes that shape personal experiences.

A key phrase encapsulating trust is "I desire to believe," indicating both cognitive belief in another's reliability and an emotional wish for that belief to be true.

Consequences of Betrayed Trust

When trust is broken, it leads to feelings of anger and resentment towards the untrustworthy individual, disrupting interpersonal relationships.

The importance of trust is evident at both personal and institutional levels; it serves as a foundation for interactions across various life domains.

Interpersonal vs. Institutional Trust

Interpersonal trust involves individuals believing in each other's reliability; this forms the basis for friendships and familial relationships.

Institutional trust refers to citizens' confidence in organizations or institutions deemed legitimate and credible.

Mutual Dependence Between Types of Trust

There exists a reciprocal relationship between interpersonal and institutional trust; effective institutions rely on citizen cooperation while also needing public confidence to function properly.

Poorly functioning institutions can erode interpersonal trust since they are often mediators during conflicts in daily life.

Importance of Cooperation for Functioning Institutions

Institutional trust is necessary but not sufficient for fostering interpersonal relationships; mutual distrust complicates institutional operations.

Effective collaboration among individuals is crucial for institutions to thrive; lack of cooperation hinders community organization efforts.

Conditions Essential for Interpersonal Trust

Understanding Interpersonal and Institutional Trust

The Nature of Interpersonal Trust

Trust is rooted in our vulnerability and dependency on others; we cooperate because we cannot meet all our needs alone.

When seeking help from professionals (e.g., doctors, lawyers), individuals place their trust in these experts to fulfill their needs.

Trust involves a willingness to rely on someone else for assistance with personal or communal issues, indicating a level of dependence.

A deeper level of trust is based on discernment; individuals believe in the capabilities and wisdom of those they trust.

This discernment leads to a theoretical authority where one has good reasons to believe in another's actions and words.

Expectations and Authority in Trust

Positive expectations play a crucial role; trusting someone means anticipating that their actions will benefit us or protect our rights.

If these positive outcomes are realized, the trusted individual or institution gains authority, reinforcing initial trust levels.

The cycle continues: as authority is established through positive experiences, individuals are more likely to depend on them again.

Transitioning to Institutional Trust

Institutions exist to serve people; they should address citizens' needs effectively, reflecting the essence of institutional trust.

Citizens often place significant aspects of their lives into the hands of institutions (e.g., schools for children's education).

Key Aspects of Institutional Trust

Addressing Needs

Institutions must meet the needs of vulnerable groups who have historically faced rights violations; this is essential for building trust.

Systemic Nature

Institutional trust operates within a systemic framework where multiple organizations interact, influencing overall effectiveness.

Accountability Mechanisms

When institutions fail to meet public expectations, it leads to distrust. Effective accountability mechanisms are vital for maintaining legitimacy.

Legitimacy Issues

Understanding Institutional Trust

The Role of Institutional Frameworks

Effective institutional frameworks enhance citizen trust, leading to greater confidence in institutions that directly impact their lives.

Institutional trust is closely linked to communicative trust, emphasizing the importance of how institutions convey messages to citizens.

Importance of Communication in Institutions

Clear communication from institutions is essential; it must meet two conditions: presumption of understanding and presumption of truth.

Institutions should communicate in a way that is easily understandable for citizens, avoiding technical jargon that may obscure meaning.

Clarity and Truthfulness in Discourse

Institutions need to express complex technical knowledge using everyday language to foster better understanding among citizens.

Clarity in communication allows citizens to grasp institutional actions better, enabling them to hold these institutions accountable.

The Connection Between Trust and Evidence

For institutional legitimacy, the information provided must be truthful and based on verifiable evidence; discrepancies lead to a loss of credibility.

Transparency and accountability are crucial for building institutional trust; they require clear connections between decisions made by officials and the affected citizens.

Quality Information as a Foundation for Trust

Good reasons for decisions must be supported by quality information, which includes being accurate, timely, relevant, and non-stigmatizing.

Understanding Institutional Trust in Deliberative Democracy

The Importance of Horizontal Dialogue

In a deliberative democracy, discussions on public matters must be horizontal, promoting equality among citizens and institutions rather than a vertical hierarchy where some command and others obey.

Shared Principles and Values

Effective dialogue requires participants to argue based on shared principles and values that resonate with all involved. These shared values should be compelling enough for others to consider.

Establishing Minimum Values for Trust

For institutional trust to flourish, it is crucial to define minimum values that shape society. Key examples include respect for human rights, solidarity, equity, integrity, and sustainability in policies.

Legitimacy Through Dialogue

When shared values are articulated in dialogues and adhered to by institutions, it enhances their legitimacy and fosters greater public trust.

Accountability and Transparency

Institutions must acknowledge the potential adverse effects of their decisions on certain groups. It is vital for them to manage risks effectively and support those negatively impacted by their policies.

The Role of Personal Experience in Building Trust

Introduction of Professor Gabriel Borques

Professor Gabriel Borques introduces himself as an engineer with extensive experience in various engineering projects. He emphasizes the social mission inherent in engineering practices.

Personal Anecdote on Trust

Understanding Trust in Urban Communities

The Concept of Trust

Trust is described as a fundamental aspect of childhood and community, emphasizing the importance of having faith in others and oneself.

The speaker highlights that trust is cultivated through a safe environment provided by community institutions, which fosters citizen engagement.

A simplified definition of trust is presented: it involves having faith in others, which correlates with self-confidence.

Trust Dynamics in Urban Settings

Trust begins within the family unit and extends to neighbors and the broader city environment, illustrating its foundational role in social cohesion.

The speaker notes that trust can be eroded by negative interactions, leading to a cycle of offense and retaliation among community members.

Consequences of Distrust

Negative reactions to perceived offenses can create an unhealthy urban atmosphere where distrust proliferates.

This cycle leads to prejudices and fear, forming barriers against positive actions within communities.

Distrust not only affects individuals but also impacts families, educational centers, communities, cities, and even nations.

Social Polarization

The discussion touches on extreme polarization where individuals view their surroundings as threats rather than opportunities for connection.

Accumulated emotional burdens from repeated offenses contribute to a negative mindset that disrupts social harmony.

Building Positive Interactions

To counteract negativity, the speaker advocates for proactive behaviors that foster goodwill among citizens.

Simple acts of kindness—like yielding seats or greeting others—can significantly enhance social spirit and improve community dynamics.

Challenges Facing Urban Cohesion

Various societal issues such as ethical decline, insecurity, environmental concerns, unemployment, and inequality are identified as factors undermining trust in urban settings.

These challenges create an atmosphere filled with uncertainty and fear among citizens regarding their safety and well-being.

Communication and Trust in Urban Communities

The Role of Communication in Overcoming Emotional Spirals

Effective communication practices among various stakeholders are essential to address emotional challenges that can disrupt lives.

Clear and straightforward expression of ideas is necessary, avoiding jargon to ensure understanding; one idea should be presented at a time.

Building Trust Through Constant Communication

Continuous and assertive communication between authorities and citizens is crucial for creating a shared understanding of community needs.

Transparency fosters trust; when citizens see their taxes being used effectively, it enhances confidence in local governance.

Promoting Community Cohesion

Campaigns should emphasize the importance of mutual respect and understanding individual rights within the community framework.

Trust begins at home, expanding from family to neighbors, ultimately fostering a cohesive urban environment.

Principles of Open Governance

Implementing open government principles—transparency, participation, collaboration—is vital for effective decision-making that benefits the public good.

Access to information strengthens transparency; it allows citizens to hold officials accountable through clear processes.

The Impact of Social Cohesion on Community Well-being

Citizen trust leads to social cohesion; projects with social profitability enhance community welfare and strengthen ties between residents and authorities.

Active citizen participation in managing public resources fosters accountability and enhances communal bonds.

Measuring Economic Impact on Quality of Life

Systems exist to evaluate economic impacts on social well-being, focusing on improving life quality through infrastructure and services.

Creating spaces for relaxation and recreation contributes positively to productivity across society while enhancing overall community safety.

Enhancing Accessibility for Social Integration

Accessible communication channels are essential for integrating communities with cultural centers, health services, and educational institutions.

Acceptance of social support networks promotes sustainability in service management by engaging all citizens actively.

Transitioning from Individualism to Community Engagement

Moving away from an individualistic mindset towards collaborative community organizations can create productive value chains.

Trust and Social Dynamics

The Importance of Trust in Urban Management

Discussion on the connection between trust and state management in urban spaces, emphasizing the role of ethical governance.

Highlighting how social projects that promote well-being also foster social cohesion and trust among citizens.

Mention of the negative impact of a cycle of offenses on citizen trust, leading to fear and blocked relationships.

Introduction to Rachel Botman's Talk

Transition to a short presentation by Professor Rachel Botman, aimed at provoking thought among attendees.

Anticipation for engaging dialogue based on questions raised during Botman's talk.

Technology's Role in Building Trust

Engaging audience with examples like Airbnb, Bitcoin, and Tinder as modern platforms facilitating trust among strangers.

Introduction of "Blablacar," a platform connecting drivers with passengers for shared journeys, illustrating new forms of trust through technology.

Understanding Trust Leaps

Explanation of "trust leaps"—the risks taken when engaging with unknown individuals or experiences.

Visualization exercise encouraging participants to consider the gap between certainty and the unknown, highlighting the necessity of trust to bridge this gap.

Defining Trust

Exploration of various definitions of trust; emphasis on its elusive nature despite being essential for daily life interactions.

Proposal that trust is best defined as a confident relationship with the unknown rather than merely a rational assessment.

Climbing the Trust Stack

Introduction to the concept of "climbing the trust stack," which involves three levels: trusting an idea, confidence in a platform's support, and assessing individual reliability through information.

Understanding Trust and Its Evolution in Society

The Role of Trust in Change and Innovation

Trust is a crucial factor that enables change and innovation, suggesting that understanding disruptions in society can be enhanced through the lens of trust.

Historically, trust has evolved through three significant phases: local, institutional, and currently, distributed.

Historical Phases of Trust

Local Trust

Until the mid-1800s, trust was primarily built on tight-knit relationships within small communities where personal accountability was paramount.

Institutional Trust

With urbanization in the mid-century, individuals began to place their trust in large corporations and systems rather than personal connections. This shift led to a reliance on legal contracts and regulations.

There has been a notable decline in trust towards institutions due to various scandals (e.g., News Corp phone hacking, Volkswagen emissions scandal), highlighting a crisis of confidence among the public.

The Shift Towards Distributed Trust

Current Trends

The current landscape reveals that traditional forms of institutional trust are inadequate for the digital age; new conventions for building and managing trust are emerging.

Leaders must rethink how they establish trust with customers and employees as societal expectations evolve.

Case Study: Airbnb vs. Traditional Hotels

A CEO from an international hotel brand expressed confusion over Airbnb's success despite its reliance on strangers trusting one another.

Personal behaviors differ between traditional hotels and platforms like Airbnb due to rating systems that enforce accountability among users.

Implications of Blockchain Technology on Trust

Emerging Concepts

The transition from institutional to distributed trust is accelerated by technologies like blockchain which redefine how we perceive authority and accountability.

Understanding Blockchain

Blockchain technology represents a paradigm shift where transactions do not require third-party intermediaries (like lawyers or banks), fundamentally altering our approach to trust.

Global Impact

As blockchain simplifies asset transfers without needing trusted intermediaries, it holds potential for revolutionizing global trust dynamics similar to how the internet transformed information access.

Conclusion: Future Considerations

Challenges Ahead

Protests Against Uber: A Global Perspective

The Rise of Protests and Trust Issues

Protests from taxi associations worldwide are emerging, demanding governments to ban Uber due to safety concerns.

British Minister for Business, Matt Hancock, tweeted about the Uber app, indicating a lack of awareness about its existence until recent protests.

The protests led to an 850% increase in signups for Uber within 24 hours, showcasing a significant trust shift in the ride-sharing sector.

Trust Dynamics in Ride-Sharing

Both drivers and passengers report feeling safer when they can see names, photos, and ratings of each other before rides.

Technology is reshaping trust dynamics between individuals on a scale previously unattainable; people are increasingly comfortable sharing spaces with strangers.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding this new form of trust to harness opportunities for societal redesign.

Trust and Social Development

Exploring Trust's Role in Equality

Discussion shifts towards the relationship between trust and social equality within urban settings.

Professor Borques highlights that without mutual trust, individuals will not support each other's development or collaborative projects beneficial to society.

Institutional Perspectives on Trust

The absence of trust hampers development; if people do not believe in one another, progress stalls at both individual and community levels.

In Colombia, there is ongoing discourse regarding trust and legal security concerning private sector investments; establishing confidence is crucial for economic growth.

Interpersonal Relationships and Cooperation

Professor Wilson notes that interpersonal relationships grounded in trust enhance cooperation within organizations and institutions.

Improved communication flows foster better collaboration on joint projects; however, distrust among individuals complicates group work dynamics.

Understanding Trust and Cooperation in Diverse Societies

The Role of Diversity in Cooperation

Emphasizes that cooperation can be more effective when integrating diverse experiences, suggesting that greater diversity enhances the richness and power of collaborative efforts.

Highlights the necessity of trusting individuals who are very different from ourselves, rather than those who are similar, to foster deeper institutional trust.

Technology's Impact on Trust

Discusses how technology can enhance trust by providing a sense of security through regulations that protect users, such as those found in ride-sharing services like Uber.

Points out that distrust arises when norms are violated or not enforced, leading to a breakdown in cooperation. This is particularly relevant in contexts where individuals exploit cooperative situations without contributing.

Hierarchical Structures and Trust Issues

Connects low levels of trust in Colombia to societal hierarchies and inequalities, arguing that more authoritarian structures breed distrust among subordinates.

Suggests that hierarchical relationships create an environment where those at lower levels feel more vulnerable and thus less trusting.

Historical Context and Institutional Development

Reflects on historical issues faced by Colombia 50 years ago regarding institutional development, indicating a failure to build less hierarchical institutions which stifles dissent necessary for cooperation.

Shares an anecdote illustrating the detrimental effects of authority on teamwork dynamics, emphasizing the need for equality among team members to foster collaboration.

Equality as a Foundation for Trust

Argues that equality is crucial for building trust; unequal resource distribution complicates dialogue and mutual understanding between individuals.

Notes the pervasive nature of mutual distrust within society, affecting interpersonal relationships as well as trust towards institutions and political positions.

Addressing Distrust: Cultural and Institutional Factors

Proposes exploring factors degrading citizen trust while also considering strategies to rebuild it once deeply rooted distrust has taken hold.

Understanding Institutional Trust and Cultural Dynamics

The Role of Institutional Design

Poorly designed institutional frameworks can lead to a lack of trust among individuals, as the distribution of tasks and rewards is ineffective.

Cultural perceptions influence how individuals relate to institutions; even well-functioning institutions may fail if the underlying culture does not support them.

Cultural Influence on Compliance

Ethical codes within institutions often remain unobserved due to cultural attitudes, highlighting the need for a cultural shift alongside institutional reform.

Trust issues arise when citizens do not believe in the effectiveness of laws or the institutions enforcing them, leading to widespread non-compliance.

Consequences of Distrust

A lack of faith in law enforcement contributes to chaotic situations, such as traffic violations, where citizens disregard rules they do not respect.

Institutions struggle with their own inefficiencies while simultaneously relying on citizen compliance for effective governance.

Interpersonal Relationships and Institutional Perception

Distrust between citizens and institutions manifests in everyday interactions; negative experiences with one institution can tarnish perceptions of others.

Individual experiences shape broader reputations; poor management within an institution can lead to generalized distrust across similar entities.

Equity vs. Equality in Work Environments

Distinctions between equity and equality are crucial; while equality has never been fully realized, equitable opportunities should be available regardless of class.

Mismatched expectations regarding work hours can create distrust between employees and employers, exacerbating tensions within workplace dynamics.

Building Trust Through Communication

Establishing trust requires open communication; misunderstandings can escalate if parties do not actively listen or seek common ground.

Early familial teachings about honesty and integrity significantly impact future interpersonal relationships and societal norms.

The Impact of Family Dynamics on Trust Development

Building Trust in Communities

The Importance of Listening

The speaker emphasizes that the breakdown of relationships begins at the family level and extends to neighbors, communities, cities, and countries. Addressing these issues from the start is crucial for rebuilding trust.

Key Elements for Rebuilding Trust

A fundamental aspect of restoring trust is effective listening. The discussion invites further reflection on additional elements necessary for this process.

Transparency between institutions and citizens is highlighted as vital. Institutions must publish information clearly so that citizens can understand it; lack of transparency breeds distrust.

Accountability is also essential. When public institutions hide information, it leads to a significant erosion of trust among citizens.

Cultural Change and Education

Cultural change is seen as a long-term goal requiring educational reforms at all levels—primary, secondary, higher education—and within families to foster an environment conducive to trust-building.

There’s a need for critical thinking skills among citizens to discern credible information from misinformation. This skill set helps combat widespread distrust in various narratives.

Embracing Diverse Opinions

Citizens should learn to accept differing opinions without viewing others as adversaries. Celebrating differences rather than fearing them contributes positively to democratic culture and trust-building efforts.

Daily actions matter; fostering an attitude of goodwill towards others can gradually shift cultural perceptions and enhance community trust over time.

Transparency in Institutions

Transparency and Trust in Institutions

The Disconnect Between Transparency and Public Trust

Despite high transparency scores from institutions, public trust remains low due to a lack of understanding about institutional processes.

Citizens perceive institutions as complex and opaque, leading to skepticism about their operations. How can transparency exercises be made more useful for building trust?

Understanding Accountability in Institutions

Institutions often operate like a "black box," where the process behind decisions is unclear. Accountability should include insights into internal processes, not just outcomes.

Technical expertise often drives decision-making within institutions, necessitating efforts to translate this technical knowledge into everyday language for better public comprehension.

Engaging Citizens in Institutional Processes

Involving citizens in participatory processes allows them to understand how decisions are made within institutions, fostering greater trust and engagement.

There is a need for organizations to create participatory frameworks that enable affected groups to engage directly with institutional processes.

Measuring Institutional Performance

The Department of Administrative Functioning conducts an institutional performance measurement with around 90 indicators; however, most citizens are unaware of these metrics.

These performance indicators could serve as valuable tools for citizens to assess institutional effectiveness but require broader dissemination and education.

Challenges in Reporting Complaints

Many citizens do not know about existing mechanisms designed for social control over institutions; educating the public on these tools is crucial.

Transparency must be genuine; there are instances where institutions only respond after receiving numerous complaints, indicating a reactive rather than proactive approach.

Barriers to Effective Complaint Resolution

Some institutions receive significant complaints yet fail to act until the volume reaches critical levels, undermining accountability.

Citizens face challenges when attempting to report issues; they may be discouraged by potential legal repercussions or costs associated with filing complaints against powerful entities.

Legal Risks for Whistleblowers

Individuals reporting issues may encounter threats of legal action if they cannot substantiate their claims adequately. This creates a chilling effect on whistleblowing activities.

Citizen Rights and Institutional Accountability

The Role of Citizens in Addressing Institutional Failures

Citizens often find themselves alone when facing institutions, lacking the means to effectively challenge corporate actions or decisions.

Collective action is emphasized; a significant number of citizens must unite to voice their grievances against institutions for any real impact.

Institutions should analyze complaints and create transparent systems to address citizen issues rather than dismiss them as mere numbers.

Challenges with Complaints and Transparency

Many citizens face difficulties in having their complaints acknowledged, leading to frustration and a sense of powerlessness.

There are instances where repeated petitions go unanswered, highlighting a lack of responsiveness from institutions.

This lack of transparency demoralizes citizens, making them hesitant to file complaints due to perceived ineffectiveness.

Trust Dynamics: From Institutional to Distributed Trust

A shift from institutional trust towards distributed trust is discussed, focusing on mutual confidence among individuals through reliable platforms.

Participants are asked for their views on this transition and its implications for institutional behavior and accountability.

Importance of Institutional Integrity

Trust in authorities is crucial; if citizens do not believe in institutions, they will struggle to seek solutions for societal problems.

Corruption within institutions must be addressed by holding unethical employees accountable rather than allowing them to escape consequences.

Technology's Impact on Trust and Interaction

The rise of information technology and AI creates new dynamics in how people interact with institutions, fostering innovative forms of cooperation.

Examples like Uber illustrate how technology can facilitate trust among users despite the presence of an intermediary institution.

Regulating New Technologies: Challenges and Opportunities

The Need for Regulation in Technology

Discussion on the necessity of regulating new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), within the European Economic Community.

Highlighting the emergence of new risks associated with these technologies that traditional institutions are not equipped to handle.

Balancing Transparency and Privacy

The dual role of social media as a tool for demanding transparency from organizations while simultaneously exposing individual privacy.

A dilemma arises regarding how to leverage technology for greater accountability without compromising personal privacy.

Technological Capabilities vs. Privacy Protection

Emphasis on the increasing technological demands required to protect privacy, which often lag behind advancements in data utilization.

Noting that personal information has become a commodity, leading to significant risks for individual privacy as highlighted by Spanish expert Carol Biss.

Conclusion and Future Discussions

Closing remarks acknowledging the complexity of these issues and thanking participants for their contributions during the panel discussion.