The Impact of Labor Market Involvement on Participation in Community

In this paper the relationship between labor market involvement and community participation is examined at the community level. Social capital theory postulates that if employment facilitates acquaintanceships, trust, and norms supporting collective action, then it will result in higher levels of participation. Conversely, aspects of employment such as commuting and dual wage earner households might negatively impact participation levels. An analysis of data from 10,798 residents of 99 Iowa small towns reveals that smaller communities, those with a higher percent of residents employed full time, more college graduates, and more of their employed working in town have higher community participation levels. The association of population size, full time employment, and working in the community with participation levels is partially explained by their contribution to acquaintanceship levels in communities. Other factors may also be involved in explaining the role of full time employment and population. The impact of percent of college graduates on participation is independent of acquaintanceship levels. Partial support is provided for social capital theory.