Social Networks and Civic Participation in Making Connections Neighborhoods: Cross-Site Brief

Learning the Lingo

This brief identifies three broad forms of engagement that are important to any community: 1) help-giving behavior; 2) help-seeking behavior; and 3) civic involvement.

The Survey Says…

Informal financial exchanges are fairly common in Making Connections neighborhoods, with nearly 40% of families reporting that they have helped out loved ones and neighbors in times of financial need.

The Survey Also Says…

When neighborhood issues arise, Making Connections residents are more likely to lean on one another than turn to a local leader for help. Among the households surveyed, more than 25% reported seeking assistance from another resident to resolve a community problem. Just 18% involved a politician and 15% enlisted a religious leader.

Demographic Drill Down

This brief notes a link between certain household characteristics and a family’s social engagement tendencies. For example: Help-giving families tend to have strong neighborhood ties and higher levels of education.

Strong Ties to Local Institutions

Making Connections families tend to seek services through a local institution rather than take civic action or engage a neighbor or friend. Among the households surveyed, more than 80% reported utilizing a local institution, such as a credit union, bank or library, in the last 12 months.