Social Science Quarterly
Volume 90, Issue 3, Pages 553-575
Published Online: 14 Jul 2009
The Network Structure of Local and Extra-Local Voluntary
Participation: The Role of Core Social Networks*
Michael J. Stern 1 , Andrew S. Fullerton 2
1 College of Charleston
2 Oklahoma State University
ABSTRACT
Objective. First, we evaluate whether structural characteristics of
people's family and friend social networks are associated with
involvement in local and extra-local civic participation. Second, we
examine the interactions between social network attributes and
personal characteristics on varied forms of participation.
Methods. We draw on data from a random-sample mail survey of 1,315
households.
Results. Attributes of friend and family social networks are related
to civic participation beyond the influence of human capital; however,
the results from family and friend networks are substantively
different. There are also differences in the way attributes of social
networks are associated with local versus extra-local participation.
Finally, the interactions of human capital and social networks do not
support previous research.
Conclusions. Overall, the evidence substantiates extant theory on the
effects that social relations have on civic engagement. However, the
structure and constituency of networks and the form of civic
engagement play an important yet undertheorized role.
DIGITAL OBJECT IDENTIFIER (DOI)
10.1111/j.1540-6237.2009.00631.
----------------------------------------
Tommaso Vitale
Dipartimento di Sociologia e della Ricerca Sociale
Università di Milano Bicocca
via Bicocca degli Arcimboldi, 8
20126 Milano
tel: ++39.02 6448 7477
skype: tomvita
CV and webpage:
http://www.sociologiadip.unimib.it/dipartimento/ricerca/scheda.php?idUser=136
New book:
www.carocci.it/politichepossibili
New issue of the Scientific Journal "Partecipazione e conflitto":
http://www.francoangeli.it/Riviste/sommario.asp?IDRivista=152
