College Student Participation in Social Action Projects

To obtain information about student constructivists (students whose social concern is expressed through involvement in restitutive work), this study investigated the extent of college student involvement in constructive social activities, and compared the characteristics of these students with a random sample of undergraduates at the University of Minnesota. Results indicated that while college students appear to be interested in constructive social action, most feel too pressed by other obligations to participate. It is theorized that the small minority who participate do so because family and friends place a high value upon social action, or because of that action's relevance to their major field or vocational choice. Colleges should, perhaps, find means to encourage constructive outlets for social concern. Findings also indicate that constructivists, as distinct from activists, do not appear markedly different from other college students. Volunteers tend to live near campus in residences other than their family home. This appears to indicate that students involved in social action activities have achieved a higher degree of social maturity and have found an independent way to extend family values. (KP)