Similarities and Differences in Adolescents’ Organized and Civic Activity Networks among Rural and Non-Rural Youth

Youth are often involved in multiple organized and civic activities simultaneously, resulting in complex patterns or ‘networks’ of participation. Little research has examined the network structure of adolescents’ organized and civic participation and whether these networks differ for youth from rural and non-rural communities. Youth (N=902; Mage=15.90) from a rural (n=476) and non-rural (n=426) community completed measures assessing engagement in 25 civic and organized activities. Network analysis indicated that activities in the rural community had greater network density relative to the non-rural community. Volunteering to clean up the neighborhood was most central to both networks. Church attendance and community sports were more central for the rural network, whereas protesting and school arts were more central for the non-rural network.