Profiles of civic assets among youth of color: Relations with civic action

Abstract

Using latent profile analysis, we investigated how the civic assets of critical reflection (analysis of oppression), civic efficacy (feeling that one's civic action will be effective), and social responsibility (sense of duty to support one's community) manifest within 284 youth of color. Four distinct profiles of civic assets were identified. We examined associations between profiles and involvement in community service, political activities, and social activism. Social responsibility was closely associated with community service, civic efficacy was associated with social activism, and social responsibility and civic efficacy together were linked to political activities. According to critical consciousness theory, youth of color can engage in critical action, or civic action targeting oppression, when they have critical reflection. However, our study showed that high critical reflection alone was related to very low civic action. To support the civic action of youth of color, multiple civic assets must be considered in tandem.