Civil Society through the Lifecourse

Young people may be self-interested, but university can shape their political participation. Busy parents and grandparents can find time to volunteer. Challenging conventional thinking, this study explores how individuals' relationships with civil society change over time, with implications for promoting greater civic and political participation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 234 pages
Publication date: 21 October 2020
Publisher: Policy Press

Are young people blindly self-interested? How does university shape students political participation? Can busy parents and grandparents find time to volunteer?

Challenging conventional thinking, leading academics explore how individuals' relationships with civil society change over time as different life course events and stages trigger and hinder civic engagement. Drawing on personal narratives, longitudinal cohort studies, and national surveys, this unprecedented study considers rarely examined aspects of civic engagement, including school students' sense of social responsibility and the charitable legacy bequests of elderly people, and highlights significant implications for those promoting greater civic and political participation.

Research suggests that young people are not necessarily self-interested but may be influenced by various factors such as social norms, peer pressure, and family values. University can play a significant role in shaping students' political participation by providing opportunities for education, exposure to different perspectives, and engagement in community service. However, busy parents and grandparents may face challenges in finding time to volunteer, but there are many ways to contribute to civil society, such as donating money, time, or resources to local organizations or volunteering through online platforms.

Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of understanding the factors that influence young people's civic engagement and the role that universities, families, and communities can play in promoting greater participation. By working together, we can create a more inclusive and engaged society that values and supports civic and political participation.

Weight: 508g
Dimension: 162 x 240 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447354833