The Role of Civic and Political Participation in Successful Early Adulthood
Phenotypic positive youth civic development varies dramatically according to the political context in which it occurs. In democratic societies, successful individual development is reflected in commitment to and participation in existing civic structures. In contexts of oppression, however, positive youth civic development can include resistance and opposition. Research featuring designs that allow causal inferences is reviewed to identify developmental factors leading to positive youth civic development and political engagement. The impacts of family transitions, education, work, and community/national service on civic development are considered. We conclude with a plea for both the incorporation of meaning into accounts of positive youth development and more research allowing for causal inference concerning civic development.