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The study examines the relationship between social cohesion, trust, and violence in Haiti, focusing on the Southern region. It argues that intense urbanization and rural migration have led to the formation of slums where traditional social bonds are dissolved and trust in institutions is low, creating an environment where social conflicts are more likely to escalate into violence. While low trust is a general trait across rural and urban communities, the specific lack of 'vertical' social bonds in slums increases the risk of violent mobilization. The author recommends strengthening social cohesion through production-based cooperatives and reforming the relationship between political elites and urban masses.

The report examines the relationship between social cohesion, trust, and violence in southern Haiti, focusing on the impact of rural migration and the formation of urban slums. It argues that the breakdown of traditional social bonds and a lack of trust in both interpersonal relations and institutions like the state, NGOs, and MINUSTAH create an environment where social unrest is more likely to turn violent. The study highlights that 'vertical' social bonds—those linking different social backgrounds—are particularly weak in slums, making these areas breeding grounds for political mobilization through violence. It recommends fostering social cohesion through productive cooperatives and renewing the relationship between political leadership and the urban masses.