Chapter 5: Civic Engagement In/Action: A Cross-Cultural Comparison of Youth Involvement

This study uses thematic content analysis to examine focus group conversations about civic-mindedness and civic engagement conducted with approximately 50 youth (ages 11-19) in the United States and Germany. At the heart of the research is a keen interest in how young people define, understand, and participate in acts of civic engagement. The research is rooted in standpoint theory, a framework that assumes life experiences shape a person’s worldview. The results offer empirical evidence of differences in the construction of civic-mindedness among youth from the diverse cultural standpoints represented in the sample. In addition, the findings have practical implications for educators seeking to design global service-learning programs or civic engagement opportunities that are appropriate for culturally diverse populations.