How are citizens' participation in democracy formed and sustained – and what role does civil society play in that process?

My research is about how people become participants in democracy and the role civil society plays in a democratic society. I study both how organizations and institutions shape the conditions for participation and how civil society organizations contribute to democracy by organizing people, creating opportunities for engagement, representing interests and serving as a link between citizens and public institutions. Across different projects, I study civil society, civic engagement, political socialization, trust, volunteering and democratic participation.

My research encompasses studies of both individuals and organizations, examining how people's democratic participation develops as well as the role civil society plays in democracy. I use both quantitative and qualitative methods, including longitudinal studies that make it possible to follow processes of change over time.