Previous research suggests that when there is a high level of inequality, there is a low rate of participation. Two arguments are generally offered: First, inequality depresses participation because people from different status groups have fewer opportunities to share common goals. Second, people may participate more in civic and social life when they have more resources. However, until now, th...

The Roman imperial monarchy is generally studied from the vantage point of ancient Roman history: the “Roman emperor” is viewed and analyzed as an element of the Roman world. This conventional approach fails to place this institution in a broader comparative context, that of monarchical rulers across world history. Systematic comparison opens up new perspectives and is indispensable in identify...

PURPOSE Past research has demonstrated the importance of civic engagement for older adults, yet previous studies have not focused specifically on the potential benefits of civic engagement for older adults with functional limitations. This pilot study explored the feasibility and effectiveness of an intervention designed to promote civic engagement in this growing and often overlooked populatio...

People use communication and information tools to meet existing needs and purposes. In Fischer's (1992) words, 'Americans used the telephone to enhance the ways of life to which they were already committed.' As such, media have 'dual effects' (Pool, 1982) depending on an individual's prior behavior, needs and interests. This paper brings evidence to bear on the question of the long-term effects...

Transparency of government inspections enables citizens to pressure companies and public organizations into behaving according to their demands. This paper reports an empirical study into the effects of the increased transparency of inspection services on civic competence. Civic competence is defined as a citizen’s ability to accomplish public tasks. The study indicates that, although citizens ...