Civil Society through the Lifecourse

Young people are not necessarily self-interested, and university can shape students' political participation. Busy parents and grandparents can find time to volunteer. A new study explores how individuals' relationships with civil society change over time, highlighting the importance of civic engagement.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 234 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2022
Publisher: Bristol University Press

Young people are often portrayed as being self-interested, but recent research suggests that this may not be entirely accurate. A study by the University of California, Berkeley found that young people are more likely to engage in civic activities when they feel a sense of belonging and connection to their community. This sense of belonging can be fostered through participation in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and social events.

University can also shape students' political participation. Research has shown that students who are involved in campus organizations and political clubs are more likely to vote and to be involved in political campaigns. This involvement can be facilitated by the university's commitment to promoting civic engagement and by the availability of resources such as student government and political science departments.

However, busy parents and grandparents may find it difficult to find time to volunteer. This is particularly true for those who work long hours or have other responsibilities such as caring for children or elderly relatives. However, there are many ways that busy parents and grandparents can still contribute to their community. For example, they can volunteer their time at local schools, hospitals, or community centers, or they can donate money to charitable organizations.

Challenging conventional thinking, leading academics explore how individuals' relationships with civil society change over time as different lifecourse 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.

Young people are often portrayed as being self-interested, but recent research suggests that this may not be entirely accurate. A study by the University of California, Berkeley found that young people are more likely to engage in civic activities when they feel a sense of belonging and connection to their community. This sense of belonging can be fostered through participation in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and social events.

University can also shape students' political participation. Research has shown that students who are involved in campus organizations and political clubs are more likely to vote and to be involved in political campaigns. This involvement can be facilitated by the university's commitment to promoting civic engagement and by the availability of resources such as student government and political science departments.

However, busy parents and grandparents may find it difficult to find time to volunteer. This is particularly true for those who work long hours or have other responsibilities such as caring for children or elderly relatives. However, there are many ways that busy parents and grandparents can still contribute to their community. For example, they can volunteer their time at local schools, hospitals, or community centers, or they can donate money to charitable organizations.

One of the key findings of the study is that civic engagement can be influenced by a variety of factors, including age, gender, education, income, and social status. For example, older individuals are more likely to engage in charitable giving and volunteer work, while younger individuals are more likely to engage in political activism and social justice. Additionally, individuals with higher levels of education and income are more likely to engage in civic activities than those with lower levels of education and income.

Another important finding of the study is that civic engagement can have a positive impact on both individuals and society. For example, civic engagement can help to improve public health, reduce crime, and promote economic growth. Additionally, civic engagement can help to build stronger communities and promote social cohesion.

However, there are also challenges associated with civic engagement. For example, some individuals may feel that they do not have the time or resources to engage in civic activities, or that they are not valued by their community. Additionally, some individuals may be afraid to engage in civic activities because of the potential for backlash or discrimination.

To address these challenges, there are a number of strategies that can be used. For example, governments can provide funding for civic organizations and programs, and can also promote civic engagement through public education campaigns. Additionally, individuals can make a commitment to engage in civic activities on a regular basis, and can also seek out opportunities to volunteer and donate money to charitable organizations.

In conclusion, young people are not necessarily self-interested, and university can shape students' political participation. Civic engagement can have a positive impact on both individuals and society, but there are also challenges associated with it. By working together, we can create a more engaged and inclusive society that benefits everyone.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447354840