Week 8 : Theorizing Citizenship
Introduction to Citizenship Theories
The concept of citizenship has evolved significantly over time, leading to various theories that aim to explain its essence and implications in society. Today's lecture encompasses an introduction to the theories of citizenship, highlighting examples of struggles for citizenship, including feminism and migrant rights, and exploring the concept of performative citizenship, which will be further developed in seminars.
Definitions of Citizenship
Citizenship can be defined in multiple ways:
Civic Equality: Bellamy (2008) posits that citizenship is a condition of civic equality where membership in a political community enables all citizens to determine social cooperation's terms equitably. This status ensures not only equal rights but also equal obligations to support collective goods and the democratic citizenship itself.
Democratic Citizenship: Referring to active participation, it encompasses the rights and responsibilities citizens hold within democratic societies. This is essential for fostering democratic engagement and governance.
Legal Institution: According to Isin (2017), citizenship functions as a legal structure that delineates who can act as a subject of rights within a polity. The lecture intends to critically analyze and expand on these definitions of citizenship.
Dimensions of Citizenship
Citizenship comprises several key dimensions:
Legal: Pertaining to the formal recognition and rights granted by the state.
Political: Involves the ability to participate in political processes and decision-making.
Economic: Relates to economic rights and access to resources and opportunities.
Social: Encompasses the rights to social welfare and support.
The attainment of these dimensions involves various mechanisms, including legal frameworks, social movements, and political actions.
The Role of the Nation-State
In a globalized context, new citizenship forms, including dual, transnational, and global citizenship, have emerged. While nationality remains fundamental to accessing citizenship rights (as articulated by Hannah Arendt's concept of the "right to have rights"), the distinction often results in discrimination against both outsiders and insiders. The role of political and social struggle significantly influences individuals' ability to act as subjects of rights.
The Declaration of Human Rights
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, adopted in 1789, establishes fundamental principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity. It serves as a foundational document, asserting that all men are born free and equal in rights, with legal standards ensuring the protection of these rights against arbitrary actions. Mechanisms for holding authorities accountable are also enshrined, asserting the sovereignty of the nation derived from the will of the people.
The Declaration of the Rights of Woman and the Female Citizen
Olympe de Gouges' declaration in 1791 asserts that women are born free and should enjoy equal rights as men. This document critiques the neglect of women's rights in the context of human rights and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and promoting women's equality in civic existence.
Citizenship Struggles in the Neoliberal Period
The period has seen a complex interaction between universal rights and national policies, with groups contesting denied citizenship rights. The sans-papiers movement in France exemplifies these struggles, where activists argue for the rights of undocumented migrants who contribute significantly to society yet face legal and social exclusion.
Economic Inclusion and Political Exclusion
Within neoliberal frameworks, irregular migrants often participate economically yet remain politically marginalized. McNevin notes that their roles as "immanent outsiders" highlight systemic inequities within the global political economy, whereby their economic contributions do not grant them full citizenship status.
Contesting Citizenship: The Sans-Papiers Movement
The sans-papiers movement illustrates a rejection of the narrative of illegality, advocating for recognition of their presence and rights within society. The manifesto expresses frustration at being characterized as illegal while contributing to the economy and fulfilling societal obligations, highlighting the dignity and rights inherent in their status as residents.
A Performative Theory of Citizenship
Judith Butler’s notion of performative citizenship indicates that claiming rights, particularly those not currently authorized, involves both reference to existing conventions and exceeding them. Isin’s exploration emphasizes the tension between existing rights and the ongoing struggle for rights yet to be claimed, portraying citizenship as an evolving practice embedded in political activism.
Conclusion
The performative aspect of citizenship reveals that political subjects act as citizens whether or not they are formally recognized. The discussion pushes us to reflect on how performative theories diverge from traditional citizenship definitions and delve into the transformative possibilities of citizenship claims. Examples throughout history underscore the ongoing struggle for rights and recognition, suggesting that citizenship is an active and dynamic process.