Personality and Network Factors: Impact of Predispositions and Network Heterogenity on Civic Participation

Abstract

This paper links predispositions and structural influences on civic participation by exploring the relationship among personality strength, network size, network heterogeneity, and political tolerance, as well as their direct and indirect impact on civic participation. Results from a national telephone survey (n=694) show political tolerance has a positive effect on political participation. The effect of personality strength on civic participation is mediated through discussion networks. Although personality strength has a negative effect on political tolerance, it boosts both the size of individual’s discussion network and the heterogeneity of this network. Moreover, network heterogeneity indirectly facilitates civic participation by increasing political knowledge and tolerance.