Journal Article

The Effect of Folk Belief on Social Trust: The Mediating Role of Social Support and the Sense of Identity

Wu, Yuxin, Huang, Yuqi, Rao, Shiying, Hou, Bin

2023

Overview

Although the influential factors of social trust have aroused heated discussion, the research on the influence of religious belief, especially Chinese folk belief, on social trust and the mechanism between the two is relatively insufficient. This study aims to explore the influence of folk beliefs on Chinese residents’ social trust and the mediating role of social support and the sense of identity. The empirical analysis of 23,823 Chinese residents shows that there is a significant positive correlation between folk belief and social trust. Social support and a sense of identity play a mediating role between folk beliefs and residents’ social trust. People with folk beliefs can significantly promote their social trust by improving their degree of social support and their sense of identity. In addition, the influence of folk belief on the social trust of residents in eastern, northern China and rural areas is more significant, showing regional and registered residence heterogeneity. Therefore, we should correctly interpret and popularize the core spirit and social and cultural significance of folk belief to form a bond of social trust. At the same time, folk beliefs can be returned to the people, which will help people find a sense of belonging and sense of identity and enhance their social trust.

• Publisher: MDPI AG
• Subject: Analysis / Beliefs / Belonging / Consciousness / folk belief / Folk beliefs / Folk literature / Folklore / heterogeneity / Identity / Multiculturalism & pluralism / Religious aspects / Religious beliefs / Religious identity / Residents / Rural areas / Rural communities / Social aspects / Social factors / Social interaction / Social life & customs / Social networks / Social support / social trust / Society / the sense of identity / Traditions / Trust / Trust (Psychology)