ABSTRACT
The neighborhood and family structures in which individuals live can either facilitate or hinder access to important social, economic and political resources, which enhance participation in both electoral and non-electoral activities. The relevance of the findings for political participation is profound in a variety of ways, especially since all of the foregoing factors—interest in political affairs, institutional involvement, and political communication—are known facilitators of political participation. Church activity, which measures the frequency of church attendance, also serves as an important resource for participation in political activities. Contrary to expectations, social isolation has a limited effect on the socio-political resources of inner-city residents. The higher the levels of religious involvement, interest in political affairs, organizational membership and recruitment, the higher the level of participation in non-electoral activities. The context of inner-city communities poses many challenges to individuals who desire to participate in electoral and non-electoral activities.
