ABSTRACT
This chapter examines whether Uyghurs are interested in community engagement. It explores active citizenship, civic activism, civic-mindedness, community engagement, community involvement, participatory activities, and public participation. Chinese tradition stresses the value of the family and clan over that of the individual and wider community. Virtually all Uyghurs held positive attitudes toward community engagement and environmental protection, and agreed that every People's Republic of China (PRC) citizen should volunteer for the public good. Demographic characteristics such as age, gender, and marital status influence the levels of public participation. Many Uyghurs thought that high socioeconomic status was related to civic-mindedness. Active labor market status can offer various opportunities for civic activism because workmates are network ties that are both a good source of information about community activities and an inspiration for public involvement. Community engagement contributes to the growth of civic-mindedness and is a major avenue for people to articulate their social and moral identity.
