Thirty years of associative life - Participation is stable but there are more female members

In 2013, more than four out of ten people aged 16 or over were members of an association. Membership rates have remained relatively stable for the last 30 years. Cultural and sports associations always attract the most members and participation by senior citizens in these types of activity is constantly on the increase. Membership is still more widespread among those with the highest level of educational attainment and the most affluent. The proportion of men who belong to associations has risen slightly, but over the last thirty years many more women have taken up membership. Association members are not necessarily active participants, however, they are more involved in civic life (electoral participation, volunteer work).