NCoC: A Closer Look: Great Consistency- Across Income, Education, Ethnicity- in Decreased Participation

Create an
Account Sign-In to
NCoC.net

Home About Programs Media Research Discussions Solutions

A Closer Look: Great Consistency- Across Income, Education, Ethnicity- in Decreased Participation

California 2009 Civic Health Index

November 24, 2009

Print Page Email Friend

View Images: 1 2 3

Downloads

California Civic Health Index 2009Click to Download PDF Document

This general pullback from civic engagement holds true across a variety of demographic groups, as people of all ages, races, and incomes seem to be volunteering less and focusing more on providing for themselves and their families. In some ways, this should be seen as further evidence of the wide-ranging nature of California’s recession. From highly educated engineers in Silicon Valley to lower-skilled workers in the state’s service industries, everyone is feeling the effects of the downturn.6

Viewing Californians by income, there is no statistical difference between the changes made by those making more or less than $50,000 per year, with about 73% of both groups paring back on their public engagement.7

Examining the state by educational attainment again reveals no signiﬁcant variation between those who attended college and those who have not.8

This appears to be true across every age group, as well, with just over 70% of Millennials, Baby Boomers, and seniors saying they have become less engaged.9

The pullback was also fairly consistent across ethnic groups, though at slightly different rates. While roughly two in three whites and African Americans cut back on volunteering, more
than 80% of the state’s Hispanics did.10 This high number is likely due to a combination of reduced volunteering opportunities and disproportionately high job losses in Latino communities.

How are Volunteering and Engagement Changing? • After the Election: Historic Turnout, But No “Civic Awakening”

If you like this kind of content, sign up for an NCoC.net account and we'll customize your homepage recommendations based on your interests..

Find More Articles About...

Education, Race, Civic Engagement

NCoC on

View Timeline

Tweets by @NCoC

My Six Month AnniversaryMay 2, 2013 Michigan Releases its 2012 Civic Health Index TodayApril 24, 2013 N.H. Ranks High in Civic Health, UNH Carsey Institute FindsApril 17, 2013

Dave DelucaJune 21, 2012 Jacob SoboroffApril 11, 2012 Dev AujlaFebruary 28, 2012