Proposed project aims to examine psychological processes and characteristics underlying the formation of civic orientations and behavior among adolescents (age 14-17). The main focus is on the experiences from proximal social contexts, particularly school, family and peer groups. Longitudinal study will enable us to examine these effects among middle and late adolescents. The project will utilize established survey methods to capture these effects in adolescents as nested in their classrooms, as well as qualitative interviews that will explore different understandings of citizenship among youth. Additionally, the role of adolescents’ individual characteristics, which can produce diverse responses to the context, will be acknowledged. The outcomes will deepen knowledge on everyday (not explicitly political) factors that shape young people’s civic development. Such design will allow the authors to formulate both theoretical and practical implications.

Publications