Entering through the “Me” Door: A Theory of Self-Reflexive Civic Engagement

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ABSTRACT Sociologists have long debated whether practices that prioritize self-fulfillment are compatible with the functioning of a healthy civil society. Many have argued that attachment to individual self-fulfillment undermines traditional community ties and detracts from the formation of associations and active citizenship. However, recent evidence suggests that some inwardly focused self-fulfillment practices might support political engagement and even social activism. This paper uses the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program as a case study to explore this gap in understanding. MBSR leaders believe that their inwardly focused program is also politically significant. Through analyzing interviews with MBSR leaders, I have categorized how MBSR leaders describe possible mechanisms by which self-fulfillment practices could lead to greater civic engagement. MBSR leaders described practices that could help people cultivaterelationships and social capacity through (1) deep listening, (2) non-reactivity, and (3) de-centering the self. Although individuals may initiate a mindfulness course for selfish reasons, MBSR leaders believe that mindfulness practices support the development of what I call a self-reflexive awareness that they believe has the potential to build social capacity from the interior. This case suggests the need for further investigation into the political relevance of mindfulness and other self-reflexive practices.