Activists, Contributors, and Volunteers: The Participation Puzzle

Abstract

Despite a general consemus that citizen group supporters vary radically in their level of group activityo we know little about what factors "create" an activist. This paper asks: What factors determine which mode a supporter chooses?We seek to answer this question by examining socio-demographic correlates of participation and several "benefits" of participation using individual level survey data. This question informs a more central question: What factors separate the activist fiom the ''regular'' supporter? Wejind that those individuals best able to bear participation costs who also participate out of a sense of duty and who enjoy group participation most, are the most likely to opt for maximum participation. Our ahta support the conclusion that duty, commitment, andthe desire for expressive benefits are capable of overwhelming the 'pee-rider " impulse. However, activists are not typical, comprising only afiaction of group membership. This means Olson, who would predict that few people would become activists. is right for most people most of the time.

Public Service Motivation and Political Action in College Undergraduates

“…To engage in public affairs, rational actors should have some sense of individual efficacy to incur the cost of participation (Verba and Nie 1972; Whiteley 1995). Furthermore, the costs of participation can be offset by benefits derived from fulfilling community obligations (Neeley and Nownes 1998). This need to work for the community's betterment or to reaffirm its values allows one to overcome the paradox of voting (Riker and Ordeshook 1968).…”