Civic Participation

Civic participation encompasses a wide range of formal and informal activities, such as voting, volunteering, participating in group activities, and community gardening.¹ Some are individual activities that benefit society (e.g., voting) or group activities that benefit either the group members (e.g., recreational soccer teams) or society (e.g., volunteer organizations).¹ In addition to the direct benefit that civic participation provides to the community, it also produces secondary health benefits for participants.^2,3  This summary focuses on the relationship between civic participation, health, and well-being.ⁱ

One way civic participation improves health is by building social capital, which is defined as “features of social organization such as networks, norms, and social trust that facilitate coordination and cooperation for mutual benefit.”⁴  For example, a study found that members of civic groups were more likely to be physically active. Belonging to civic groups expanded participants’ social networks, which made them more aware of opportunities to be physically active in their community.² Engaging in meaningful civic activities can also help individuals develop a sense of purpose, which may promote continued civic participation.⁵  Social capital is discussed in more detail in the Social Cohesion summary.

Participating in the electoral process by voting or registering others to vote is an example of civic participation that impacts health.³ A study of 44 countries (including the United States) found that voter participation was associated with better self-reported health, even after controlling for individual and country characteristics.³ In another study, individuals who did not vote reported poorer health in subsequent years.⁶

Volunteering is a common form of civic participation that can yield health benefits.^7,8 Studies show that volunteers enjoy better psychological well-being and more positive emotional health.^7,9 Volunteering can increase social resources like having friends to call,⁹ which may help explain the association between volunteering and reduced levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms.^9,10 Additionally, one study found volunteering can relieve stress as measured by cortisol (a hormone released when feeling stressed).¹¹ Volunteering might be especially beneficial for older adults; a study of adults age 60 and older found that volunteers had a lower risk of cognitive impairment.¹²

Simply belonging to groups can improve health as well. Membership in formal groups (e.g., Girl Scouts, Kiwanis, Rotary, PTA) or informal groups (e.g., book clubs, bird watching clubs) has been shown to increase social capital and decrease social isolation among members.^13,14 As a result, these groups may indirectly improve the physical and mental health of their members.¹³ For example, a women’s group, the Red Hat Society, has been shown to provide emotional support and a sense of community to its members.¹⁴ Many formal and informal groups also engage in charitable activities that directly benefit health research (e.g., the Ice Bucket Challenge, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure).

Individuals who are involved in community gardening may form a sense of neighborhood pride,¹⁵ experience an increased appreciation for their neighborhood, and be more motivated to get involved in community life.^16,17 Community gardens also increase access to healthy foods. A thematic review of the effects of community gardens notes that 13 studies have found higher levels of fruit and vegetable consumption in areas with community gardens.¹⁸

Civic participation varies by generation¹⁹ and education.⁵ For example, one study found that while young people may be less likely to engage in mainstream media consumption, 90 percent of the high school students surveyed had engaged in politics in general and 40 percent had engaged in participatory politics. This civic engagement primarily occurs through social media.²⁰ Individuals with higher education levels may have more opportunities for civic engagement, as college students have opportunities to get involved in community affairs through fraternities, sororities, or other student organizations — but male college students are less likely to engage in civic activities than female students.^21,22 Other studies have found that African American, Latino, and Asian American college students are more likely to intend to volunteer than their White peers.²¹

Many different strategies can promote civic participation. Encouraging young people to be active in their community is important for promoting lifelong civic participation. One study found that high school students involved in community service are more likely to vote and volunteer in adulthood.²³ Initiatives like AmeriCorps, which are designed to help young adults serve their communities, have been shown to increase civic participation later in life as well.^24,25 Public health media advocacy campaigns are another strategy; they promote policy change through media engagement and community action.²⁶

Additional research is needed to increase the evidence base for what can successfully impact the effects of civic participation on health outcomes and disparities. This additional evidence will facilitate public health efforts to address civic participation as a social determinant of health.

Endnotes

ⁱ Well-being is both a determinant and an outcome of health. It encompasses objective and subjective elements and reflects many aspects of life and states of being, including physical and mental, as well as emotional, social, financial, occupational, intellectual, and spiritual elements.