Relationship Between Spirituality and Civic Action
In the research, we asked people about the ways they engage with others, in their community, and in politics. These actions ranged from informal prosocial behaviors such as getting to know their neighbors; to community behaviors such as engagement in local events; to civic actions such as volunteering; to political actions such as reaching out to a public official or voting.
The survey found that people who identify as most spiritual are most likely to engage in all kinds of prosocial, civic, and political activities—and believe those actions are important.
The more strongly a person identifies as spiritual, the more likely they are to believe it is very important to contribute to greater good in the world.
Those who identify as very spiritual are more likely to say all kinds of positive civic actions are very important. They are most likely to say it is important to make a difference in their communities, speak up when others have been wronged, help others in need, and volunteer.
They are more likely to engage with others for the good of their community.
Those who identify as very spiritual are most likely to say they make an effort to know their neighbors, interact with strangers, attend community events, volunteer, and donate to issues they care about.
People who identify as most spiritual are more likely to get involved in politics and vote.
People who identify as most spiritual are also most likely to say they have reached out to a government official, attended a meeting about a political concern, or signed a petition in the last 12 months. They are also most likely to say they always vote.
