The Role of Political Engagement in College Students' Civic Identity: Longitudinal Findings from Recent Graduates

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Bibliographic Details
Title: The Role of Political Engagement in College Students' Civic Identity: Longitudinal Findings from Recent Graduates
Language: English
Authors: Johnson, Matthew R., Ferguson, Mark
Source: Journal of College Student Development. Sep-Oct 2018 59(5):511-527.
Availability: Johns Hopkins University Press. 2715 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218. Tel: 800-548-1784; Tel: 410-516-6987; Fax: 410-516-6968; e-mail: jlorder@jhupress.jhu.edu; Web site: http://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/subscribe.html
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 17
Publication Date: 2018
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Descriptors: Citizen Participation, Political Attitudes, College Students, Longitudinal Studies, College Graduates, Community Involvement, Political Science, Politics, Social Problems
DOI: 10.1353/csd.2018.0050
ISSN: 0897-5264
Abstract: This is the second phase of a larger longitudinal research project that explores the development of civic identity (Johnson, 2017). We examined the political dimensions of recent college graduates' civic identities to better understand how they view, construct, and act on the inherent political dimensions of their civic identities. Using semi-structured interviews, we followed up with 18 of the 19 participants from the original study one year after they graduated. The concepts of identity development, humans as political animals, and ideology guided our study. Findings show that recent graduates had a negative view of politics and struggled with how to advance their civic identities within a turbulent political environment and within careers that often left them feeling constrained or unable to do so.
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 47
Entry Date: 2018
Accession Number: EJ1191274
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This is the second phase of a larger longitudinal research project that explores the development of civic identity (Johnson, 2017). We examined the political dimensions of recent college graduates' civic identities to better understand how they view, construct, and act on the inherent political dimensions of their civic identities. Using semi-structured interviews, we followed up with 18 of the 19 participants from the original study one year after they graduated. The concepts of identity development, humans as political animals, and ideology guided our study. Findings show that recent graduates had a negative view of politics and struggled with how to advance their civic identities within a turbulent political environment and within careers that often left them feeling constrained or unable to do so.
ISSN:0897-5264
DOI:10.1353/csd.2018.0050