In us we Trust? The Effect of Political Violence on Social Cohesion in Israel, 2003-2013

Does exposure to episodes of high intensity violence unify communities or lead to a breakdown of social trust? It is generally posited that in reaction to external threat communities develop an enhanced desire for internal conformity and cohesion. This unifying process can serve as a coping mechanism for dealing with the stress of threat. However, the increased perception of vulnerability can also lead to political exclusionism, particularly against minorities. Increasingly, studies point to reduced social cohesion and social trust amongst all communities when highly fractionalized societies are exposed to conflict and violence. Given the non-discriminatory impacts of exposure to political violence, the literature often views societies as unitary actors and fails to address the impact of episodes of high intensity violence on horizontal relationships within the society. In the Israeli context, research often focuses on attitudes of political exclusionism towards the largest out-groups, namely the Palestinians or the Israeli-Arab community. Less attention, however, has been directed at the effects on inter-group cohesion and trust between the multiple social and identity groups within the Israeli society [e.g., new immigrants vs. Israeli-born, Ashkenazi vs. Sephardic Jews, rich vs. poor, religious vs. secular]. Using Israel as a test case and a unique set of data drawn from a decade of social surveys we explore whether exposure to high intensity episodes of violence, within a protracted conflict, leads to a decline in social cohesion and trust between the non-Palestinian communities within Israel. We also examine whether this decline is more likely to follow a specific outcome. The implications of the research extend beyond the Israeli case and the potential for political entrepreneurs to exploit social rifts and mobilise social discontent leading to risks of fragmented voting patterns and reduced prospects for peace.