NCJ Number
219710
Journal
Youth & Society Volume: 39 Issue: 1 Dated: September 2007 Pages: 75-111
Date Published
September 2007
Length
37 pages
Annotation
This study examined the effect of economic status on youths’ involvement in both school- and non-school-related extracurricular activities.
Abstract
The study found that economic status, gender, and race/ethnicity were influential in youths’ participation in extracurricular activities. Specifically, it was found that low family income and greater financial worry were associated with lower likelihood of participation in school-related activities, whereas Food Stamp recipiency, more frequent worry, and low family income predicted lower involvement in non-school-related activities. The findings highlight the importance of examining youth time use across a variety of activities as other extracurricular activities, paid work, housework, and time spent watching television have a bearing on likelihood participation. This study operationalized social capital as resources derived from social connections, specifically the participation in extracurricular activities. It was hypothesized that involvement in extracurricular activities might provide youth with access to key resources, such as positive experiences with supportive adults. It was asserted that access to social capital is dependent on social factors, such as economic status, gender, and race/ethnicity. The study drew on data from the Survey of Adults and Youth (SAY), collected between October 1998 and May 1999, and was administered to a nationally representative population and over sampled parents and youth living in urban areas and six cities. Tables, figures, references