Citizenship as a Concept

\

Citizenship as a Concept

• The status which determines that an individual is a legitimate member of a particular state.
• This dictates people that owe duties to the state, as well as those that enjoy the protection of their rights.
• This provides a legal framework for individual associations within civil society.

A citizen of a nation

• A person who is entitled to certain rights and duties under a political system.
  • Example: freedom of expression, security, required taxes, abiding by the law, etc.
• Depending on the nation/state, there are different types of citizens and citizenship.
  • Generally, laws require that a person be immediately considered a citizen if they were birthed on a nation/state’s soil.
  • Acquired Citizenship: If an individual’s parent is a citizen in a certain nation/state, or through the process of naturalization.

Idea of social citizenship

• This is not purely a legal status; entails your possessions, right to health care, education, social security, and more.
• Belonging to a particular social group in a society involves certain economic benefits.

Citizenship provides a sense of common identity

• An essential component for one to have a strong sense of belongingness to a particular nation/state; always coupled to that national identity.
• There is a strong cultural dimension in the citizenry community.

Example of what citizenship identify’s

• Only the citizens in the country of Thailand are allowed to own private properties in the nation, as stated by their exclusive law, otherwise it would be considered as illegal.

Citizenship functioning as a kind of civil “religion” that unities civil society and binds individuals to the state (K. Faulk, 1998).

Citizenship in defining elements

• These are members of a democratic political community.
• There are collective benefits and rights involved.
  • Individuals and communities that are citizens of a nation/state may exercise their rights.
  • Rights serve as instruments of participation which is essential in the idea of citizenship.
• Community participation exists within citizenship.
  • The existence of common economic, political, and social activities.
  • Citizens contribute to collective goals.
  • “A country with quality participation by its members displays strong political culture.” (P. Kumari, 2013)

\