The research presented in this policy Brief is particularly relevant regarding the growing concern over declining political support. As this research also confirms, there are troubling trends regarding the width of democratic input, both in terms of political participation and political support. Against the backdrop of changes in the philosophy of social policies, and the ongoing fiscal pressures and austerity measures, the findings discussed here show the need to think long-term about how citizen’s social protection is ensured. Without such a vision, a growing number of citizens is bound to stop expecting support from the state and accordingly lose political trust.
This policy brief therefore highlights the need of a long-term vision for social policy. A country’s level of political trust depends not on ad hoc responses to visible needs, but on the sustained and generous nature of the welfare state over an extended period of time. When citizens can reasonably expect support, regardless of when or how, they are more likely to support political institutions in return.
