Political Participation and Social Engagement at Girls' and Coeducational High Schools: A Comparative Study

• In Event: Gender Dynamics in Public Education

Abstract

Using multi-level modeling, we investigate the role of girls’ high schools in helping young women develop political interest and participation as well as social engagement, characterized by voting interest, volunteerism and interactions with diverse communities among other variables. Results demonstrate benefits for women graduates of girls’ schools in community-orientation, civic engagement, social agency and political involvement. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.

Authors

• Tiffani A. Riggers-Piehl, University of Missouri-Kansas City

• Karen L. King, University of Missouri - Kansas City

• Gloria Lim, University of California - Los Angeles