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What Drives Citizen Participation in Political Gatherings in Modern South Africa? A Quantitative Analysis of Self-Reported Behaviour

Author

Listed:
  • Steven Gordon

    (Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC))

  • Jarè Struwig

    (Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC))

  • Benjamin Roberts

    (Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC))

  • Ngqapheli Mchunu

    (Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC))

  • Samela Mtyingizane

    (Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC))

  • Thobeka Radebe

    (Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC))

Abstract

Community and public gatherings are an important component of political participation in sub-Saharan Africa. Formal and informal community meetings and rallies are instrumental to the practice of politics in many parts of the continent. However, little multidimensional research has focused on the drivers of this form of political participation in an African context. This study will examine determinants of participation using South African data from the nationally representative 2015 voter participation survey. Despite its unique history of colonialism, South Africa represents a microcosm of major trends in African politics. Our results show that cognitive awareness of politics is the main determinant of participation in political gatherings. Attitudes towards municipal performance also had a statistically significant impact on the behaviour of this kind. The effects of education and economic status were found to be contrary to theoretical expectations. The implications of our findings for research into collective forms of political participation are discussed in the conclusion.

Suggested Citation

  • Steven Gordon & Jarè Struwig & Benjamin Roberts & Ngqapheli Mchunu & Samela Mtyingizane & Thobeka Radebe, 2019. "What Drives Citizen Participation in Political Gatherings in Modern South Africa? A Quantitative Analysis of Self-Reported Behaviour," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 141(2), pages 791-808, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:soinre:v:141:y:2019:i:2:d:10.1007_s11205-018-1851-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s11205-018-1851-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rasmus Broms, 2015. "Putting Up or Shutting Up: On the Individual-Level Relationship between Taxpaying and Political Interest in a Developmental Context," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 51(1), pages 93-109, January.
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    5. Biniam E. Bedasso & Nonso Obikili, 2016. "A Dream Deferred: The Microfoundations of Direct Political Action in Pre- and Post-democratisation South Africa," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 52(1), pages 130-146, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Tina Fransman & Marisa Fintel, 2024. "Relative Standing and Political Participation," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 174(1), pages 281-311, August.

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