Assessing Social Engagement in Unstable Environments: an Examination of Collective Action in Mexico

This study utilizes Social Capital Theory to explore the differential effects of (1) social capital , (2) violence , and (3) political engagement on (a) collective action and (b) willingness to help the community in Mexico, a context of enduring violence. Survey data collected in 2011 is used to und...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Global social welfare : research, policy & practice policy & practice, 2017-12, Vol.4 (4), p.233-246
Main Authors: Vázquez-Rodríguez, Ana-María, Lombe, Margaret
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Autonomy
Collective action
Collective memory
Community and Environmental Psychology
Compliance
Economic models
Leadership
Obedience
Policy implementation
Political factors
Political participation
Public Health
Social capital
Social change
Social interaction
Social Policy
Social Sciences
Social Work
Violence
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Summary:This study utilizes Social Capital Theory to explore the differential effects of (1) social capital , (2) violence , and (3) political engagement on (a) collective action and (b) willingness to help the community in Mexico, a context of enduring violence. Survey data collected in 2011 is used to understand the identified relationships ( N  = 7416). A number of statistical procedures including correlation and regression analyses using ordinary least squares (OLS) with nested models are utilized. Results show that mobilizing for collective action is influenced by contextual and political factors. Using contextual measures better explain active social engagement in violence-prone locations. Results also indicate the convenience of including this perspective in social interventions that promote local autonomy. Social capital in its trust form revealed contrasting effects on collective action. Further, fear and violence appear to influence willingness to mobilize. The examination of the relation between levels of trust and law compliance revealed the potential contribution of social disobedience on policy implementation. Implications for social interactions in unstable environments and Mexico in particular are presented. The role of local processes (e.g., leadership, practices and collective memories) are most likely to reinforce positive social capital and create effective social change.
ISSN:2196-8799
2196-8799
DOI:10.1007/s40609-017-0097-1