2007. Contemporary Issues and Ideas in Social Sciences. ·
Ruedin, Didier. 2007. “Testing Milbrath’s 1965 Framework of Political Participation: Institutions and Social Capital.” Contemporary Issues and Ideas in Social Sciences 3(3).
Abstract: Despite its age, Milbrath’s 1965 framework of political participation is still widely cited. A computer simulation is used to empirically test the framework for the first time. The parameter estimates from the simulation provide valid results, suggesting that the framework may be viable. The simulation is then used to explore the nature of political participation. It is found that both political institutions and social capital are significant contributors to political participation. The role of social capital is revised: rather than just the time spent in a community, personal contacts appear to be more important for political participation.
Related working paper on the political participation of immigrants: 
The role of social capital in the political participation of immigrants: Evidence from agent-based modelling
Didier Ruedin 
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