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  Trust and the Crisis of Grievance

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Crisis of grievance puts pressure on trust

The 25th anniversary edition of the Edelman Trust Barometer has revealed a profound shift to acceptance of aggressive action, with political polarization and deepening fears giving rise to a widespread sense of grievance.

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Majority hold grievances against government, business, and the rich

Sixty-one percent globally have a moderate or high sense of grievance, which is defined by a belief that government and business make their lives harder and serve narrow interests, and wealthy people benefit unfairly from the system.

 

Widespread grievance is eroding trust across the board

Those with a high sense of grievance distrust all four institutions (business, government, media, and NGOs).

 

Hostile activism is seen as a legitimate tool to drive change

To bring about change, 4 in 10 would approve of one or more of the following forms of hostile activism: attacking people online, intentionally spreading disinformation, threatening or committing violence, damaging public or private property. This sentiment is most prevalent among respondents ages 18-34 (53 percent approve of at least one).

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Restoring trust and building optimism

 

 

1. Grievances must be addressed

The institutional failures of the last 25 years have produced grievances around the world, stifling growth and innovation in turn. To lead through this crisis, understand the economic realities of your stakeholders, champion shared interests, and create opportunities for optimism.

 

2. Business has a license to act

Those with a higher sense of grievance are more likely to believe that business is not doing enough to address societal issues. To navigate these expectations, understand where you have obligations, act on behalf of your stakeholders, and advocate for your organization.

 

3. Business can’t act alone

Business, government, media, and NGOs must work together to address the root causes of grievance and enable trust, growth, and prosperity. Invest in local communities, quality information, and job skills. Deliver results that benefit everyone fairly.

 

4. With trust, optimism eclipses grievance

When institutions can’t be trusted to do what is right, grievances fester and outlooks darken. To dissipate grievance and increase optimism, prioritize and rebuild trust across your organization and local communities.

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Top Findings

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Fear of discrimination surges
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Nearly two thirds of respondents worry about experiencing prejudice, discrimination, or racism – up 10 points in the last year and with significant increases across countries and demographics.

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Majority lack optimism for the next generation 
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Only 36 percent of respondents believe that things will be better for the next generation. In developed countries, just one in five see a better future.

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High sense of grievance puts pressure on business
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Those with a high sense of grievance see business as 81 points less ethical and 37 points less competent than those with a low sense of grievance, and they believe business is not doing enough to address key societal issues.

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Insights

Article

Reversing the Descent into Grievance

January 19, 2025

Edelman Trust Barometer 2025 highlights rising societal grievance, declining trust, and the urgent n...

Article

The Arrogance of Assumption: How Listening Can Abate Grievance

January 19, 2025

Discover insights from the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer on societal grievance and the need for leade...

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Methodology: The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer is the firm’s 25th annual Trust survey. The research was produced by the Edelman Trust Institute and consists of 30-minute online interviews conducted between October 25 and November 16, 2024. Learn more >

33,000
Respondents

28
Countries 

±1,150
Respondents/Country

 

 

This crisis of grievance must be solved

Learn how your company can make a difference.