This paper explores the nature of civic engagement across 19 European countries and its underlying dimensions. In addition to the classical dualism of ‘political’ and ‘civic’ citizen, the analysis of the European Social Survey in 2002 also identified a third dimension of active citizens in Europe. Political consumerism, i.e. those who sign petitions, boycott or buy products for ethical, political or environmental reasons, emerged as distinct prototype of activist to those who tend to be involved in voluntary organisations and in political activities. More significantly, the representation of civic engagement indicators on a two dimensional Multiple Correspondence Analysis map showed a clear relationship between political consumers and those involved in New Social Movement Organisations. This questions the “individual” nature of political consumerism and provides evidence of political consumerism being embedded within a wider network of activism and established campaigning organisations.
