Exploring the Meanings of Place Attachment Among Civically Engaged Puerto Rican Youth

Abstract

Although research has shown that place attachment may promote socially responsible behaviors, it has not been studied from the perspective of youth civic engagement. This study explored the meanings of community-based place attachment among civically-engaged Puerto Rican youth within an ethnic enclave. Photovoice methods were employed using a phenomenological design to enhance our understanding of the participants' lived experiences. Findings suggest that community-based place attachment was characterized as multidimensional, identity-affirming, and embedded in participants' narratives about personal involvement in local engagement. Implications for initiatives that actively engage youth in community change efforts and future research are presented.