Social Work Commons^™

Civic Engagement Among Low-Income And Low-Wealth Families: In Their Words, Amanda Moore Mcbride, Margaret S. Sherraden, Suzanne Pritzer

Center for Social Development Research

Through in-depth interviews with 84 low-income, low-wealth families, we find civic engagement across a range of behaviors, e.g., volunteering through religious organizations, neighboring, involvement in children’s activities, and contributing. Data are suggestive of a modified life cycle theory of engagement as well as a “stakeholding” theory, highlighting assets as resources and incentives for action. Time constraint is noted as a primary mediator. Possible implications for measurement, future research, and social interventions and policies are discussed.