Abstract:

We explore the impact of work histories on voluntary association memberships. Stable work histories are associated with more membership months over a 15-year period, in contrast to a “disorderly” sequence of jobs, which results in fewer membership months. Men's work histories affect only their job-related memberships; women's work histories affect a wider range. These results suggest that current trends in the restructuring of work toward more contingent employment will decrease rates of civic participation.