Skip to main content

Redefining Civic Engagement: A Developmental Model of Students’ Civic-Related Capabilities

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Book cover Civic Engagement and Community Service at Research Universities

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to present a multidimensional developmental model theorizing the development of civic engagement of college students. Civic engagement encompasses broad, interrelated concepts such as citizenship, democratic outcomes, and political beliefs, and researchers have operationally defined civic engagement to reflect different values, attitudes, and behaviors. In this chapter, we seek to advance our understanding of the construct of civic engagement through a critical review of the literature that is guided by King and Baxter Magolda’s (2005) intercultural maturity model and developed a multidimensional model that captures how students develop civic-related capabilities across developmental domains. This model of civic-related capabilities can be utilized by practitioners, researchers, and policymakers to better understand student development of civic engagement.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 119.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 159.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Anderson, J. L., Levis-Fitzgerald, M. R., & Rhoads, R. A. (2003). Democratic learning and global citizenship: The contribution of one-unit seminars. JGE: The Journal of General Education, 52(2), 84–107.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Angelique, H. L., Reischl, T. M., & Davidson, W. S. (2002). Promoting political empowerment: Evaluation of an intervention with university students. American Journal of Community Psychology, 30(6), 815–833.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Antonaros, M., Barnhardt, C., Holsapple, M., Moronski, K., & Vergoth, V. (2008). Should colleges focus more on personal and social responsibility? Initial findings from campus surveys conducted for the Association of American Colleges and Universities as part of its initiative, core commitments: Educating students for personal and social responsibility. Washington, DC: Association of American Colleges and Universities.

    Google Scholar 

  • Astin, A. W. (1993). What happens in college? Four critical years revisited. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Astin, A. W., & Sax, L. J. (1998). How undergraduates are affected by service participation. Journal of College Student Development, 39(3), 251–263.

    Google Scholar 

  • Astin, A. W., Sax, L. J., & Avalos, J. (1999). Long term effects of volunteerism during the undergraduate years. The Review of Higher Education, 22(2), 187–202.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ball, W. J. (2005). From community engagement to political engagement. PS, Political Science & Politics, 38(2), 287–291.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baxter Magolda, M. B. (2001). Making their own way: Narratives for transforming higher education to promote self-development. Sterling, VA: Stylus.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baxter Magolda, M. B., & King, P. M. (2004). Learning partnerships: A resource book for service-learning faculty in all disciplines. Sterling, VA: Stylus.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beaumont, E. (2005). The challenge of assessing civic engagement: What we know and what we still need to learn about civic education in college. Journal of Public Affairs Education, 11(4), 287–303.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beaumont, E., Colby, A., Ehrlich, T., & Torney-Purta, J. (2006). Promoting political competence and engagement in college students: An empirical study. Journal of Political Science Education, 2(3), 249–270.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bernstein, A. (2005). Gendered characteristics of political engagement in college students. Sex Roles, 52(5/6), 299–310.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bernstein, J. L. (2007). Simulations and the dynamics of racial and gender gaps in civic competence. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 111, 89–96.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bernstein, J. L. (2008). Cultivating civic competence: Simulations and skill-building in an introductory government class. Journal of Political Science Education, 4(1), 1–20.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bernstein, J. L., & Meizlish, D. S. (2003). Becoming congress: A longitudinal study of the civic engagement implications of a classroom simulation. Simulation & Gaming, 34(2), 198–219.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Blackhurst, A. E., & Foster, J. (2003). College students and citizenship: A comparison of civic attitudes and involvement in 1996 and 2000. NASPA Journal, 40(3), 153–174.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bogard, C. J., Sheinheit, I., & Clarke, R. P. (2008). Information they can trust: Increasing youth voter turnout at the university. Political Science & Politics, 41(3), 541–546.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boyte, H. C. (2005). Reframing democracy: Governance, civic agency, and politics. Public Administration Review, 65(5), 518–528.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boyte, H. C. (2008). Against the current: Developing the civic agency of students. Change: The Magazine of Higher Learning, 40(3), 8–15.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boyte, H., & Hollander, E. (1999). Wingspread declaration on renewing the civic mission of the American research university. Campus Compact [online].

    Google Scholar 

  • Bringle, R. G., & Steinberg, K. S. (2010). Educating for informed community involvement. American Journal of Community Psychology, 46, 428–441.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Campus Compact. (2012). Presidents’ declaration on the civic responsibility of higher education. Boston, MA: Campus Compact.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chickering, A. W., & Reisser, L. (1993). Education and identity (2nd ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Colby, A., Beaumont, E., Ehrlich, T., & Corngold, J. (2007). Educating for democracy: Preparing undergraduates for responsible political engagement. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Corbett, J. B., & Kendall, A. R. (1999). Evaluating service learning in the communication discipline. Journalism & Mass Communication Educator, 53(4), 66–76.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cress, C. M., Astin, H. S., Zimmerman-Oster, K., & Burkhardt, J. C. (2001). Developmental outcomes of college students’ involvement in leadership activities. Journal of College Student Development, 42(1), 15–27.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dey, E. L., Barnhardt, C. L., Antonaros, M., Ott, C. M., & Holsapple, M. A. (2009). Civic responsibility: What is the campus climate for learning? Washington, DC: Association of American Colleges & Universities.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dresner, M., & Blatner, J. S. (2006). Approaching civic responsibility using guided controversies about environmental issues. College Teaching, 54(2), 213–219.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ehrlich, T. (Ed.). (2000). Civic responsibility and higher education. Phoenix, AZ: Oryx Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Einfeld, A., & Collins, D. (2008). The relationships between service-learning, social justice, multicultural competence, and civic engagement. Journal of College Student Development, 49(2), 95–109.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Elder, L., Seligsohn, A., & Hofrenning, D. (2007). Experiencing New Hampshire: The effects of an experiential learning course on civic engagement. Journal of Political Science Education, 3(2), 191–216.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Engberg, M. E. (2004). Improving intergroup relations in higher education: A critical examination of the influence of educational interventions on racial bias. Review of Educational Research, 74(4), 473–524.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Engberg, M. E., & Mayhew, M. J. (2007). The influence of first-year success courses on student learning and democratic outcomes. Journal of College Student Development, 48(3), 241–258.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fall, L. (2006). Value of engagement: Factors influencing how students perceive their community contribution to public relations internships. Public Relations Review, 32(4), 407–415.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Giles, D. E., Jr., & Eyler, J. (1994). The impact of a college community service laboratory on students’ personal, social and cognitive. Journal of Adolescence, 17(4), 327.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gilligan, C. (1982). In a different voice: Psychological theory and women’s development. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • González, R. G. (2008). College student civic development and engagement at a Hispanic serving institution. Journal of Hispanic Higher Education, 7(4), 287–300.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gurin, P., Dey, E. L., Hurtado, S., & Gurin, G. (2002). Diversity and higher education: Theory and impact on educational outcomes. Harvard Educational Review, 72(3), 330.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huerta, J. C., & Jozwiak, J. (2008). Developing civic engagement in general education political science. Journal of Political Science Education, 4(1), 42–60.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huntemann, N. B. (2008). Seminar for freshman: Media literacy. In M. J. LaBare (Ed.), Civic engagement in the first year of college (pp. 91–92). New York, NY: The New York Times Knowledge Network and the National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hunter, S., & Brisbin, R. A. (2000). The impact of service learning on democratic and civic values. PS, Political Science & Politics, 33(3), 623–626.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hurtado, S., Engberg, M. E., Ponjuan, L., & Landreman, L. (2002). Students’ precollege preparation for participation in a diverse democracy. Research in Higher Education, 43(2), 163–186.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hutchinson, M. (2005). Living the rhetoric: Service learning and increased value of social responsibility. Pedagogy, 5(3), 427–444.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jensen, J. M., & Hunt, L. L. (2007). College in the state capital: Does it increase the civic engagement of political science undergraduate majors? Political Science & Politics, 40(3), 563–569.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, S. M., & Lollar, X. L. (2002). Diversity policy in higher education: The impact of college students’ exposure to diversity on cultural awareness and political participation. Journal of Education Policy, 17(3), 305–320.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Joseph, M., Stone, G. W., Grantham, K., Harmancioglu, N., & Ibrahim, E. (2007). An exploratory study on the value of service learning projects and their impact on community service involvement and critical thinking. Quality Assurance in Education: An International Perspective, 15(3), 318–333.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Keen, C., & Hall, K. (2009). Engaging with difference matters: Longitudinal student outcomes of co-curricular service-learning programs. Journal of Higher Education, 80(1), 59–79.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kegan, R. (1994). In over our heads: The mental demands of modern life. Cambridge, MA: President and Fellows of Harvard College, Harvard University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • King, P. M., & Baxter Magolda, M. B. (2005). A developmental model of intercultural maturity. Journal of College Student Development, 46(6), 571–592.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • King, P. M., & Kitchener, K. S. (1994). Developing reflective judgment: Understanding and promoting intellectual growth and critical thinking in adolescents and adults. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • King, P. M., & Kitchener, K. S. (2004). Reflective judgment: Theory and research on the development of epistemic assumptions through adulthood. Educational Psychologist, 39(1), 5–18.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kirlin, M. (2003). The role of civic skills in fostering civic engagement. College Park, MD: University of Maryland. CIRCLE working paper 6. The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning &Engagement.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirlin, M. (2005). Understanding the relationship between civic skills and civic participation: Educating future public managers. Journal of Public Affairs Education, 11(4), 305–314.

    Google Scholar 

  • Klofstad, C. A. (2007). Talk leads to recruitment: How discussions about politics and current events increase civic participation. Political Research Quarterly, 60(2), 180–191.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Knefelkamp, L. (2008). Civic identity: Locating self in community. Diversity and Democracy: Civic Learning for Shared Futures, 11(2), 1–3.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuh, G. D., Kinzie, J., Schuh, J. H., & Whitt, E. J. (2010). Student success in college: Creating conditions that matter. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lay, J., & Smarick, K. (2006). Simulating a senate office: The impact on student knowledge and attitudes. Journal of Political Science Education, 2(2), 131–146.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lott, J. L., II. (2008). Racial identity and black students’ perceptions of community outreach: Implications for bonding social capital. Journal of Negro Education, 77(1), 3–14.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lott, J. L., II. (2013). Predictors of civic values: Understanding student-level and institutional-level effects. Journal of College Student Development, 54(1), 1–16.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mabry, J. B. (1998). Pedagogical variations in service-learning and student outcomes: How time, contact, and reflection matter. Michigan Journal of Community Service Learning, 5, 32–47.

    Google Scholar 

  • Macedo, S., Alex-Assensoh, Y., Berry, J. M., Campbell, D. E., Fraga, L. R., Fung, A., et al. (2005). Democracy at risk: How political choices undermine citizen participation and what we can do about it. Washington, DC: The Brookings Institution.

    Google Scholar 

  • Malaney, G. D., & Berger, J. B. (2005). Assessing how diversity affects students’ interest in social change. Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice, 6(4), 443–460.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mayhew, M. J., & Fernández, S. D. (2007). Pedagogical practices that contribute to social justice outcomes. Review of Higher Education, 31(1), 55–80.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McKinney, M. S., & Chattopadhyay, S. (2007). Political engagement through debates: Young citizens’ reactions to the 2004 presidential debates. The American Behavioral Scientist, 50(9), 1169.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Milner, H. (2002). Civic literacy: How informed citizens make democracy work. Medford, MA: Tufts University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moely, B. E., McFarland, M., Miron, D., Mercer, S., & Ilustre, V. (2002). Changes in college students’ attitudes and intentions for civic involvement as a function of service-learning experiences. Michigan Journal of Community Service Learning, 9(1), 18–26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morse, R. S., Dudley, L. S., & Armstrong, J. P. (2005). Learning and teaching about deliberative democracy: On campus and in the field. Journal of Public Affairs Education, 11(4), 325–336.

    Google Scholar 

  • Musil, C. M. (2009). Educating students for personal and social responsibility: The civic learning spiral. In B. Jacoby (Ed.), Civic engagement in higher education (pp. 49–68). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pascarella, E. T., Ethington, C. A., & Smart, J. C. (1988). The influence of college on humanitarian/civic involvement values. Journal of Higher Education, 59(4), 412–437.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pascarella, E. T., Smart, J. C., & Braxton, J. M. (1986). Postsecondary educational attainment and humanitarian and civic values. Journal of College Student Personnel, 27, 418–425.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pascarella, E. T., & Terenzini, P. T. (2005). How college affects students: A third decade of research (Vol. 2). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Perry, W. G., Jr. (1970). Forms of intellectual and ethical development in the college years: A scheme. New York, NY: Holt, Rinehart, & Winston.

    Google Scholar 

  • Persell, C. H., & Wenglinsky, H. (2004). For-profit post-secondary education and civic engagement. Higher Education, 47(3), 337–359.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peters, J. R., & Stearns, D. E. (2003). Bringing educational relevancy to the first-year college experience by bearing witness to social problems. Journal of Experiential Education, 25(3), 332–342.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Prentice, M. (2007). Social justice through service learning: Community colleges as ground zero. Equity & Excellence in Education, 40(3), 266–273.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Prentice, M., & Robinson, G. (2007). Linking service learning and civic engagement in community college students. American Association of Community Colleges. One Dupont Circle NW Suite 410, Washington, DC.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reeb, R. N. (2006). The community service self-efficacy scale. Journal of Prevention and Intervention in the Community, 32(1–2), 97–113.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rhoads, R. A. (1998). In the service of citizenship: A study of student involvement in community service. The Journal of Higher Education, 69(3), 277–297.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rios-Aguilar, C., & Mars, M. M. (2011). Integration or fragmentation? College student citizenship in the global society. Education, Knowledge, and Economy, 5(1–2), 29–44.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rowan-Kenyon, H., Soldner, M., & Inkelas, K. K. (2008). The contributions of living-learning programs on developing sense of civic engagement in undergraduate students. NASPA Journal, 44(4), 750–778.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sax, L. J. (2004). Citizenship development and the American college student. New Directions for Institutional Research, 2004(122), 65–80.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schamber, J. F., & Mahoney, S. L. (2008). The development of political awareness and social justice citizenship through community-based learning in a first-year general education seminar. The Journal of General Education, 57(2), 75–99.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schneider, C. G. (2006). Diversity, democracy, and goals for student learning. Liberal Education, 92(1), 1–2.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spiezio, K. E., Baker, K. Q., & Boland, K. (2005). General education and civic engagement: An empiricalanalysis of pedagogical possibilities. JGE: The Journal of General Education, 54(4), 273–292.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Steinberg, K. S., Hatcher, J. A., & Bringle, R. G. (2011). Civic-minded graduate: A North Star. Michigan Journal of Community Service Learning, 18(1), 19–33.

    Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, J. A., & Trepanier-Street, M. (2007). Civic education in multicultural contexts: New findings from a national study. Social Studies, 98(1), 14–18.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • The National Task Force on Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement. (2012). A crucible moment: College learning and democracy’s future. Washington, DC: Association of American Colleges and Universities.

    Google Scholar 

  • Toossi, M. (2012). Labor force projections to 2020: A more slowly growing workforce. Monthly Labor Review, 135(1), 43–64.

    Google Scholar 

  • U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Under Secretary and Office of Postsecondary Education. (2012). Advancing civic learning and engagement in democracy: A road map and call to action. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vogelgesang, L. J., & Astin, A. W. (2005). Post-college civic engagement among graduates. HERI research report number 2. Los Angeles, CA: Higher Education Research Institute, University of California.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wells, S. D., & Dudash, E. A. (2007). Wha’d’ya know? Examining young voters’ political information and efficacy in the 2004 election. The American Behavioral Scientist, 50(9), 1280.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wilson, N. E., Diaz, A., O’Leary, L. S., & Terkla, D. G. (2007). Civic engagement: A study of changes in college. Academic Exchange Quarterly, 11(2), 141–147.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zuniga, X., Williams, E. A., & Berger, J. B. (2005). Action-oriented democratic outcomes: The impact of student involvement with campus diversity. Journal of College Student Development, 46(6), 660–678.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Copyright information

© 2016 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s)

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Ponjuan, L., Alcantar, C.M., Soria, K.M. (2016). Redefining Civic Engagement: A Developmental Model of Students’ Civic-Related Capabilities. In: Soria, K., Mitchell, T. (eds) Civic Engagement and Community Service at Research Universities. Palgrave Studies in Global Citizenship Education and Democracy. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-55312-6_6

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-55312-6_6

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-137-55311-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-137-55312-6

  • eBook Packages: EducationEducation (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics