Political and Civic Engagement

<p>Based upon a three-year multi-disciplinary international research project <i>Political and Civic Participation</i> examines the interplay of factors affecting civic and political engagement and participation across different generations nations and ethnic groups and the shifting variety of forms that participation can take. </p><p>The book draws upon an extensive body of data to answer the following key questions:</p><ul> <ul> </ul> <li>Why do many citizens fail to vote in elections? </li> <ul> </ul> <li>Why are young people turning increasingly to street demonstrations charitable activities consumer activism and social media to express their political and civic views? </li> <ul> </ul> <li>What are the barriers which hinder political participation by women ethnic minorities and migrants? </li> <ul> </ul> <li>How can greater levels of engagement with public issues be encouraged among all citizens? </li> <ul> </ul> </ul><p>Together the chapters in this volume provide a comprehensive overview of current understandings of the factors and processes which influence citizens’ patterns of political and civic engagement. They also present a set of evidence-based recommendations for policy practice and intervention that can be used by political and civil society actors to enhance levels of engagement particularly among youth women ethnic minorities and migrants. </p><p>Political and Civic Participation provides an invaluable resource for all those who are concerned with citizens’ levels of engagement including: researchers and academics across the social sciences; politicians and political institutions; media professionals; educational professionals and schools; youth workers and education NGOs; and leaders of ethnic minority and migrant organizations and communities.</p>