| The topic of this dissertation is civic engagement in Idaho Falls. This paper constructs a methodology for measuring civic engagement locally. It takes a broad view of civic engagement. This research relies on the extensive civic engagement literature as a reference point for developing a survey and a measurement instrument. It develops a hierarchy of participation called the Local Civic Engagement Index (LCEI). It concludes that citizen activity is not at an optimum level in Idaho Falls. However, religious participation and volunteerism and philanthropy indicate strong participation. This study corresponds with the research by Putnam (2000) and others. In addition, it concludes that many socioeconomic factors are related to the level of citizen participation. It finds a relationship between civic engagement and social capital. It questions the relationship between religious engagement and overall community involvement. Finally, it calls for more research to be done at the local level. |
