Micro-Level Effects of Political Participation

Abstract

AbstractVarieties of political participation have different micro-effects or biographical consequences for those engaging in political action. Gender, class, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and other markers of difference matter for involvement in political participation and thus also for its consequences. This means that an intersectional perspective is needed to understand the micro-effects or biographical consequences of political participation. In addition, it is important to be mindful to distinguish effects from correlations. We begin this chapter by discussing the concept of “biographical consequences.” We then apply it to different forms of political participation such as voting, protesting and online activism. Subsequently we discuss the impact of political participation on activists’ lives, including employment and family. Our chapter considers burnout as well as professionalization and the sustainability of political participation in the life-course. We close with identifying gaps and needs for further research.