UNDERSTANDING THE CIVIC ACTIVITIES OF THE RESIDENTS OF INNER-CITY NEIGHBORHOODS: TWO CASE STUDIES

Abstract

A survey of 102 residents of two inner-city areas in New Jersey that are stressed by crime, blight, and other serious problems measured residents' values and activities in support of their neighborhoods. Strong values were associated with older female respondents who had strong religious convictions and who did not trust science and experts. Multiple neighborhood actions were prevalent among older respondents who did not trust science and experts, were optimistic, had a strong internal sense of control, had taken actions to protect their personal health, and were troubled by abandoned houses in the neighborhood. Thirteen of the 102 respondents had taken many actions, had strong values, and shared similar personality and demographic attributes. The characteristics of this multiple activity group are compared to conventional assertions about the characteristics of Americans engaged in civic activities.