In the substantial literature on the subject, generalized trust is loosely seen as unspecific trust in generalized others, including strangers (Rotter 1980). From various experimental studies and surveys, it is supposed by many social scientists that Americans have higher levels of generalized trust than do people in many other societies (see, for example, Fukuyama 1995; Yamagishi and Yamagishi 1994).

DEFINE: Clarifies the technical meaning of 'generalized trust' as opposed to trust in specific known individuals.

Russell Hardin, Trust and Trustworthiness, loc. 792