The Ties That Bind: Changing Demographics and Civic Engagement in California

Publication Date: April 2004

Publisher: Public Policy Institute of California

Author(s): S. Karthick Ramakrishnan; Mark Baldassare

Research Area: Social conditions

Type: Report

Coverage: California

Abstract:

This volume provides the first detailed and comprehensive picture of the relationship between demographic diversity and citizen involvement in civic affairs in California. The authors examine participation rates of various demographic groups across a wide range of political and volunteer activities. Their principal finding is that those who have the most say in California elections are also those who participate more in the broader civic life of the state. Demographic differences in participation associated with voting are also found in activities such as writing letters to elected officials, signing petitions, and contributing money to political causes. Specifically, those who are native-born, white, older, more affluent, homeowners, and more highly educated demonstrate the highest levels of civic engagement.