[eszed]

Now define "members". It's both possible and common for an in-group to experience a high degree of trust and care, while those outside that group to... Not. From the point of view of the beneficiaries the social contract is working beautifully!

I found Singapore somewhat bracing in how honestly they acknowledge the two tiers (natives + wealthy foreigners vs poor "guest" workers) in their society. The same division functionally exists in many "western" countries, but is broadly ignored. (To be clear, I do not endorse this - and, in fact, think it appalling - but appreciate straightforwardness more than I do obfuscation by empty rhetoric.)

[triceratops]

But that's my point. You can define "society" in any way you like to say there's "high social trust". It's a meaningless, hollow boast.

[eru]

No, it's not. Eg Soviet Russia never had high social trust, no matter how you slice it.

[triceratops]

And it never boasted of having high social trust either.

[eru]

> You can define "society" in any way you like to say there's "high social trust".