The Impacts of Foreclosure on Collective Efficacy and Civic Engagement: Findings from Two Central California Communities
ORCID
Marcia D. Hernandez: 0000-0001-9556-7699
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Social Justice
Department
Sociology
Volume
40
Issue
3
First Page
48
Last Page
64
Publication Date
1-1-2014
Abstract
How has the foreclosure crisis and the neighborhood instability it produces affected residents’ sense of collective efficacy and civic engagement? Using 127 semi-structured interviews in two Central San Joaquin Valley communities, South Merced and Planada, we examine residents’ perceptions of their community, collective efficacy, and civic engagement. These California communities are located in a region with one of the highest rates of foreclosure in the state. We find that although community foreclosures arouse concerns about crime and community blight, only relatively personal experience with foreclosure negatively affects collective efficacy. We find that respondents are less likely to volunteer to help solve community problems if they personally know friends or family members affected by foreclosure.
Recommended Citation
Weffer, S. E.,
Sylvester, D. E.,
Mullooly, J.,
Hernandez, M. D.,
Parnell, A. L.,
Maravilla, R.,
&
Lau, N.
(2014).
The Impacts of Foreclosure on Collective Efficacy and Civic Engagement: Findings from Two Central California Communities.
Social Justice, 40(3), 48–64.
https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/cop-facarticles/823
