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In terms of importance many researchers feel social capital relies heavily on the presence of trust in a network, therefore, trust is very important, possibly the most important component of social capital (Fukuyama, 1995;Putnam, 1995).

Trust is a significant key component of social capital found in networks and highlighted in the original research of Coleman, Putnam, and Uslander(Field, 2008). People develop a sense of trust over time in the networks while at the same time developing a close relationship. They might paint an ill neighbour’s house, or cut the neighbour’s grass, thus showing favours occurring in a neighbourhood network. Closer ties, friendships, trust and support occur as the relationships deepen, through favours rendered. This current research project is interested in the trust, support, and favours people give to each other within the network of formal local leisure clubs.

Trust is a value that is crucial in relationships and is the basis of social capital

(Fukuyama, 1995; Newton, 1997). It allows people to treat others with respect and as equals. It is a resource with a latent value allowing people to look outside of themselves, ignoring previous experiences or prejudices while working together (Putnam, 1993; Uslander, 1999). In this way it can act as a lubricant reducing potential friction, making groups operate more efficiently and effectively (Fukuyama 1995; Putnam

2000). Trust is a core component of social capital in most research and may underpin

the further development of other components including reciprocity and norms of behaviour (Onyx & Bullen, 2000; Putnam, 1995; Uslander, 2001). Trust is necessary, and without it social capital is not likely to develop, however, it is not sufficient on its own. When people behave honestly and reliably they begin to trust one another which begins the process of social capital. It allows for things to be done without

repayment. Simply stated, I can help you now and trust that you will help me if I need help, thereby repaying (reciprocate) the favour (Putnam, 1995). People freely give and support each other when trust and honesty are present. It may be the foundation block and is crucial in social capital development in social networks. Without trust in a relationship between people, reciprocity or helping would not

occur. This makes it a significant part of social capital (Putnam, 1995b).

Its opposite, distrust between people provokes further distrust. Where this occurs in

networks or between individuals it is likely to bring about untrustworthy behaviour. This is counter to developing social capital. Networks having a lack of trust (distrust), find it difficult to get things done. Negotiation costs are higher, people are suspicious, guarded, and things operate slowly (Cox & Caldwell, 2000). This inhibits the action needed in social capital where achieving and resolving issues is prominent (Putnam, 1995).

Trust therefore is important increating communities where people know, care, and help each other (Uslander, 1999). It allows people to take chances because they can depend on those around them (Onyx & Bullen, 2000). It is complex and varies between

individuals and groups and can also vary between individuals in a group.

In a social group trust between people is based on personality and the bond between them. Trust does not automatically result but is dependent on close friendships.

Therefore, some people in any network will become closer friends and build more and stronger social capital then others. Some view trust and social capital in the literature as cause and effect, so if a network has trust, then social capital will develop (Uslander, 1999). However, trust depends on the friendship(s) between members and a belief that the group is dependable and good (Coleman, 1990).

The different forms of trust are: social trust, generalised and particularised trust. With social trust present people rely on each other, develop ties, which enables them to cooperate and help each other (Uslander, 1999). People with social trust are ‘trusting people’ and believe that most people are trustworthy. Having a trusting attitude makes much of life easier (Cox, & Caldwell, 2000).

Generalized trust means trusting people you do not know (Uslander, 1999), described as thin trust or the trusting of strangers (Knack, 2002; Sanders & Lowney, 2006). It

encourages people to take part in the community because they feel a part of it and trust and invest in it (Banfield, 1958; Uslander, 1999). Generalised trust supports social capital development allowing people to think outside of their immediate group and work together with new people. The social group does not have to be family or close friends or relations. In a community of this nature, things run much smoother, and more efficiently because people do not have to be watched (Coleman, 1988; Putnam, 2000). Generalised trust is similar to social trust except it refers to trust within loose social networks while social trust refers to trust of people in a general sense or trusting people on the street. Generalised trust is significant in developing social capital, and similar to bridging social capital, believing people to be dependable, honest and working together (Fukuyama, 1995).

Particularised trust refers to trust of people like yourself, your family, and friends (Cox, 2005; Sanders& Lowney, 2006). People who are in your particular group you trust, but you are less likely to trust someone you do not already know (Dekker & Uslander, 2001; Uslander, 1999). Particular trust exists in familiar networks or with those you know. This type of trust does not support social capital development in the general community only in the person’s close network with people they already know. Fraternitiesare an example of this type of trust where there is trust within and amongst the group.

Trust in a community can produce a more prosperous community and support for each other, and higher voting and volunteering (Putnam, 1993b; Uslander, 1999). Conversely, areas with low trust have lower volunteering, voting, and support rates, and higher mortality rates (DeGraaf & Jordan, 2003).

The relationship between trusting people with generalised trust is crucial in establishing friendships, support, and reciprocity - important components of social capital. However, trust takes time to develop, and may require reciprocity to provide a bridge over people’s individual interests (Torche &Valenzuela, 2011). The confidence and trust people have in each other creates the environment for other components of social capital such as reciprocity to occur (Table 2.4). In this research trust will be analysed as a component of

social capital. Reciprocity is closely related to trust and plays a significant ‘role’ in shaping and strengthening trust between individuals.