NCJ Number
171719
Date Published
1997
Length
170 pages
Annotation
A national telephone survey of 1,500 adults was conducted at the end of 1996 to determine the status of social connectedness, civic engagement, and civic orientations, particularly as those might affect older persons.
Abstract
The survey used a random-digit dialing method. The interviews took an average of 25.8 minutes. Half of the sample were ages 50 and over. The final sample of completed interviews was weighted prior to final analysis to reflect the composition of the adult population with respect to gender, broad age groups, the percentage of black persons, and three broad educational levels. Results verified that social trust is at a low level, that trust in national government is alarmingly low, and that trust in local government is substantially higher. In contrast, findings revealed a reassuring level of social connectedness and civic engagements. People report the greatest amount of daily involvement with essential tasks such as earning a living or taking care of home and family, but substantial proportions of the public are involved in more optional activities with persons outside the immediate household. Majorities reported some involvement in social activities with friends, religious activities, children's or youth activities, hobbies with friends, and volunteer work. Community attachment indicators were also high. Social connectedness and civic involvement were lowest among young adults ages 18-25; this group stands out as being significantly deprived of social capital. Figures, tables, footnotes, appended instrument and methodological information, and 24 references