Explaining Socioeconomic Disparities in Participation in Civic Activities at School: The Role of Political Socialization at Home

• In Event: International Studies

Abstract

While empirical studies have documented socioeconomic disparities in participation in civic activities at school, little is known about the mechanisms behind this relationship. Using data from 22 countries in the International Civic and Citizenship Education Study of 2016, we examined whether home-based political socialization mediates the relationship between family socioeconomic status (SES) and students' participation in civic activities at school. Our analyses showed that higher family SES is predictive of a higher level of political socialization at home, which in turn is associated with increased participation in civic activities. Despite cross-national variation in effect size, the mediation effects of home-based political socialization are statistically significant in almost all 22 countries examined.

Authors

• Jilli Jung, Penn State University

• Soo-yong Byun, The Pennsylvania State University - University Park