Political integration through ethnic or non-ethnic voluntary associations

This article challenges previous findings suggesting that ethnic associations promote political participation among immigrants. Analyzing recent survey data from Sweden, the authors find that political activity among immigrants is encouraged by associational involvement in general but not by associa...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Political research quarterly 2010, Vol.63 (4), p.721
Main Authors: Strömblad, Per, Adman, Per
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
civic skills
ethnic mobilization
immigrant organization
political participation
political recruitment
Political science
SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP
SOCIAL SCIENCES
Socialvetenskap
Statsvetenskap
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Summary:This article challenges previous findings suggesting that ethnic associations promote political participation among immigrants. Analyzing recent survey data from Sweden, the authors find that political activity among immigrants is encouraged by associational involvement in general but not by associations based on ethnic origin. To explain this difference, the authors examine important causal mechanisms between associational involvement and political participation. They conclude that while ethnic associations induce the development of civic skills, they do not create enough opportunities for mobilization through networks of political recruitment. Hence, compared to associations in which both mechanisms operate, ethnic associations tend to provide less politically stimulating environments.
ISSN:1938-274X
1065-9129
DOI:10.1177/1065912909341539