A LOOMING CATASTROPHE IN THE BLUEPRINTS OF TRUST

 

By; Abraham Favour Olohigbe 

They say that the social contract is a very old phenomenon that has been in existence for a very long time; it deals with moral and political theory. A social contract is an implicit agreement between the people and their government about what each side provides for the other (Seema Shah, 2022). A social contract does not have to be visible (physical); it might be seen as intangible but it evidently impacts society. Social contract theories commonly assert that individuals, through explicit or implicit consent, agree to relinquish certain freedoms and yield to authority. This concession is made in return for the protection of their remaining rights or the preservation of social order.

In the context of a hostel, executives assume roles akin to custodians of social order, elected by students with promises of transparency and advocacy. This relationship mirrors a social contract, yet recent perceptions suggest a deviation from promises due to communication gaps and transparency issues. Notably, this strain becomes palpable when executives hold meetings with sparse attendance, or internal dissatisfaction becomes audible grumbling about administrative shortcomings.

The essence of the social contract lies in the mutual understanding that individuals within a society, or in this case, a hostel community, willingly surrender some of their freedoms and comply with certain rules or authority for the greater benefit of communal living. In the context of a hostel, students expect the executives, who are entrusted with managerial responsibilities, to act in a manner that promotes fairness, transparency, and the general well-being of the residents.

When executives deviate from these expectations, the social contract begins to fray. For instance, if there's a lack of transparency in decision-making or if rules are enforced inconsistently, students may perceive a breach of trust and even a lack of communication when something that involves the students is a subject matter. This perception can erode the sense of community and cooperation, essential elements of a healthy social contract.

Moreover, the social contract in a hostel extends beyond mere rule enforcement; it encompasses the provision of a safe and conducive living environment. If executives neglect issues such as security, maintenance, or response to student concerns, they jeopardize the fundamental understanding that students have consented to authority in exchange for the protection and well-being of the community. In failing to fulfill these responsibilities, the executives risk undermining the very foundation of the social contract that binds them to the students. This may lead to students not even caring about what happens in the hall or even lead to apathy.

Communication plays a pivotal role in sustaining the social contract within a hostel. When executives fail to engage with students, listen to their concerns, or provide explanations for decisions, it creates a disconnect. This lack of communication can breed frustration and a sense of exclusion, further straining the social contract. On the other hand, open and transparent communication helps build trust and reinforces the understanding between executives and students, fostering a healthier social contract.

Addressing these issues requires a concerted effort from both parties. Executives should actively seek feedback, involve students in decision-making processes, demonstrate accountability for their actions, and also not be two-faced when they’re the bridge between the management and the students. Conversely, students should express their concerns constructively, actively participate in community initiatives, and contribute to the overall well-being of the hostel.

In conclusion, the dynamics between executives and students in a hostel are intricately tied to a social contract, an implicit agreement that defines the expectations and responsibilities for communal living. When executives deviate from the perceived right actions in the eyes of the students, it strains the social contract, risking discord and discontent within the community. Nurturing open communication, transparency, and a shared commitment to the well-being of the community is essential for upholding the integrity of the social contract in a hostel setting.