This report analyzes political and civic involvement among four generations: “DotNets” (15- to 25-year-olds), “Generation Xers,” “Baby Boomers” and “Matures.” Among the findings: Young people are “much more likely to support government action and are as engaged in apolitical civic activities as are older generations, but are less likely to trust others and participate in electoral politics.” The DotNets “don’t share older generations’ views about the responsibilities of citizenship, but they do say that civic education makes a big difference in fueling their interest in public affairs.” The report looks at effective methods for increasing civic engagement among young people. 44 pages. Free online. The Pew Charitable Trusts, 2005 Market St., Suite 1700, Philadelphia, PA 19103. (215) 575-9050, www.pewtrusts.com/pubs, search for “generational portrait.”
– Mary Tess Driver, Della Mosley, Andrew Beadle, Patrick Boyle
