This edited collection explores the temporal dimensions of civil society through examining how different lifecourse stages and events trigger or hinder engagement with civil society. There is increasing concern about declining levels of participation, and fears that young people today are far less civically engaged than older generations. Some believe that an already-weakened civil society looks set to enter a phase of terminal decline. However, these gloomy predictions do not consider the possibility not only that the nature of civic engagement may be changing, but that participation may wax ... More

This edited collection explores the temporal dimensions of civil society through examining how different lifecourse stages and events trigger or hinder engagement with civil society. There is increasing concern about declining levels of participation, and fears that young people today are far less civically engaged than older generations. Some believe that an already-weakened civil society looks set to enter a phase of terminal decline. However, these gloomy predictions do not consider the possibility not only that the nature of civic engagement may be changing, but that participation may wax and wane over the lifecourse. Drawing on a range of empirical data, including cross-sectional analyses, longitudinal data and interviews, this book investigates not changing levels of engagement, and the shifting priorities of citizens as they manage the contingencies of career, family and old age. Largely chronological in organisation, this book explores civic participation over the lifecourse – from school to later life. The book includes chapters on young people’s civil and political participation and the role of universities in promoting civic engagement. It also examines the challenges of parenthood and grandparenthood – as well as the opportunities for volunteering in later life. Finally, the examines how older people balance the competing claims of charities and family when thinking about their legacy.