In recent years the apparent decline in civic and political engagement across western
societies has attracted growing attention among academics, policy makers and social
commentators. The condition of young people’s political consciousness and
attitudes to political engagement has attracted especial attention. Trends in the
reproduction of social capital have been proposed as a key driver of declining
political engagement and civic mindedness in western democracies. Drawing upon data
from the UK General Household Survey, this article explores the relationship between
social capital and civic action among young British citizens at the beginning of the
21st century. In particular the following questions are addressed: how important is
social capital in explaining the level and type of young people’s civic
action? Are certain forms of social capital more important than others in explaining
patterns of civic action? Is the relationship between social capital and civic
action dependent upon individuals’ position in the life cycle?
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