Developing Indicators for the Social Contract: A Cross-Cultural Analysis of EU and Non-EU Countries

The social contract provides a foundational framework for understanding governance, societal cohesion, and the relationship between individuals and the state. While classical theorists such as Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau offered distinct perspectives on human nature, authority, natural rights, and collective will, modern and contemporary extensions emphasize inclusivity, justice, and individual well-being. A social contract is an agreement between members of a political community in which individuals consent to state authority in exchange for the protection of their rights, security, and the provision of public goods and services. This relational agreement necessitates compliance with the state’s laws and practices, thereby fostering the achievement of collective aspirations and common goals. However, the social contract is often built upon unequal power relations, and it is not static; it is shaped by historical and contemporary factors and influenced by crises and societal transformations, which can result in some groups not fully sharing its benefits. Therefore, a resilient social contract must continuously address issues of social justice and, in exchange for citizens’ adherence, meet their expectations for physical security, political representation, good governance, and a sense of community and personal life satisfaction. Despite its theoretical richness, the empirical operationalization of the social contract still remains underdeveloped. By elaborating on the existing literature, this paper focuses on developing measurable indicators of the social contract through empirical analyses of cross-cultural surveys- Eurobarometer, WVS, and ISSP. By operationalizing key dimensions of citizenship, belonging, legitimacy, trust in institutions, civic participation, access to rights, and perceptions of fairness, the study also aims to elaborate upon and compare social contract dynamics between EU and non-EU countries. The results will provide valuable insights into variations in governance models, societal cohesion, and policy effectiveness, offering a data-driven framework for strengthening state-society relations and contributing to the discussion of a resilient social contract by aligning with calls for evidence-based policymaking and fostering innovative solutions to contemporary challenges in governance and inclusion.