Truth Believers and True Believers: The Conditional Effects of Voluntary Associations on the Political Participation of Black Americans

Authors

  • Randall D. Swain
  • Maruice Mangum

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15763/issn.2374-7781.2012.33.0.189-210

Abstract

Using data from the 1996 National Black Election Study, this investigation examines the impact of two kinds of voluntary associations on electoral and non-electoral political participation among Black Americans. It does so by examining the church’s context or environment and membership in organizations. We report several significant findings. First, both types of voluntary associations—church and secular organizational membership—are positive influences on both forms of political participation. Second, memberships in secular organizations are more influential facilitators of activism among Black Americans than the church. Third, the type of voluntary association matters in terms of the kinds of political activities promoted. The church promotes political activities that call for less energy and less resources. Membership in secular organizations is related to high-intensity forms of political activity.

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Published

2012-11-01

Issue

Vol. 33: Fall 2012

Section

Articles

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