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Does sociability predict civic involvement and political participation?
Renato Foschi1, Marco Lauriola2
1Dipartimento di Psicologia Dinamica e Clinica, Sapienza Università di Roma.
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|January 29, 2014
Summary
Sociability, the tendency to associate with others, is crucial for modern democracy. This research shows political and associative sociability predict group membership and decision-making, linking personality to civic engagement.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Political Science
- Personality Psychology
Background:
- Sociability is historically linked to the rise of democracy through increased free time and social capital.
- In personality psychology, sociability correlates with prosocial behaviors like affiliation and extraversion.
- The role of sociability in political behaviors is increasingly recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reliably assess political and associative sociability.
- To examine the relationship between sociability and personality traits.
- To determine if sociability predicts political and nonpolitical participation.
Main Methods:
- Conducted 5 studies with 1,429 participants.
- Utilized reliable assessment tools for political and associative sociability.
- Compared sociability measures with existing political psychology concepts and personality models.
Main Results:
- Political and associative sociability demonstrated cross-cultural validity and correlated with social interest and the Big Five personality traits.
- Sociability measures were distinct from political expertise, interest, and self-efficacy.
- Sociability significantly predicted group membership and decision-making outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Sociability is a valid and distinct construct that can be reliably measured.
- Sociability serves as a mediator between personality traits and civic/political participation.
- Understanding sociability offers a holistic model for political behavior.
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