Print Price: $79.95

Format:
Hardback
224 pp.
160 mm x 239 mm

ISBN-13:
9780199752126

Publication date:
January 2015

Imprint: OUP US

The Psychology of Citizenship and Civic Engagement

S. Mark Pancer

Citizens' sense of responsibility to their community and to their nation is becoming a topic of growing concern. Recent research indicates that citizens of the United States and many other nations have become increasingly disconnected from their fellow community members, and when this connection is lost, individuals begin to suffer. They experience poorer health, achieve lower academic and employment success, and are at risk for the development of a host of social problems. On a broader level, states and countries whose citizens feel detached from their communities show higher levels of crime, a greater incidence of disease, and even higher mortality rates.

In The Psychology of Citizenship and Civic Engagement, S. Mark Pancer explores the development of civic engagement, the factors that influence its development, and the impacts of civic involvement on the individual, the community, and society. Pancer examines civic engagement over the lifespan and how the effects of early experiences and influences exerted by peers, families, and religious organizations shape adult involvement. By addressing civic engagement from a systemic as well as individual perspective, this book discusses the role that factors such as government policy, culture, and socioeconomic status play in fostering (or inhibiting) a person's civic connections. Pancer also works toward a solution to increase active citizenship by identifying gaps in research and theory and outlining ways in which scholarly work on civic engagement can inform policy and practice, with the aim to foster individuals sense of responsibility and community connection. By bringing together a large body of research from psychology, political science, sociology, education, and public health, Pancer provides readers with a comprehensive account of what science tells us about civic engagement.

Readership : Researchers in the areas of developmental psychology (civic development), social psychology, political psychology, community psychology, educational psychology, service learning, sociology (volunteering), political science (voting & civic engagement); Students, college & university instructors in applied social psychology, political psychology, developmental psychology, sociology, political science; Politicians and policy-makers; Civil society organizations, such as NGOs, trade unions, faith-based organizations, indigenous peoples movements, foundations across North America & Europe.

Reviews

• "With this book Mark Pancer has assuredly added the civic and political dimensions to the emerging field of positive psychology. He masterfully weaves together research findings from diverse disciplines to show how a sense of civic engagement and a sound political identity develop. He then shows how these accomplishments lead to healthy individuality and more cohesive and well-functioning communities. A real intellectual treat!"
  
  --James Youniss, PhD, Professor Emeritus and Research Professor of Psychology, The Catholic University of America
  
  
• "In this thorough and thoughtful book Mark Pancer explains not only THAT but also WHY civic engagement is beneficial for individuals, organizations, communities, and whole societies. A real contribution to the field."
  
  --Connie Flanagan, PhD, Professor of Civil Society and Community Studies, School of Human Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
  
  
• "The Psychology of Citizenship and Civic Engagement is an engaging, masterful account of the sources of civic life. Pancer provides the most thoughtful integration available anywhere of contemporary research on citizenship and civic engagement."
  
  --Daniel Hart, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Director of the Institute for Effective Education, Rutgers University