Understanding Citizenship: Concepts, History, and Models
Item 11: Citizenship
Citizenship is an ethical-political concept that combines the fundamental features of belonging and participation. We define citizenship as the characteristics that identify us as members of a political community, although this classification does not fully define us, as we may belong to culturally distinct groups. A multicultural state is distinct from a multinational state.
The concept of citizenship carries various meanings depending on the community to which we belong: nation-state, multinational state, community of states, federation of states, or a cosmopolitan community (global village).
Key Definitions
- Nation: Communities sharing a cultural tradition and customs within a geographical area, but not organized politically.
- State: Adds the legal-political significance of sovereignty through rules and laws.
- Nation-State: Combines cultural identity with the universal recognition of population, territory, and sovereignty (citizenship, defined borders, and institutional/legislative frameworks).
Political Systems
In absolutist, totalitarian, or dictatorial states, individuals are subjects, subordinated to the will and discretion of authority. In a democratic rule of law, citizens participate in the election of authorities and exercise political power and legitimacy.
Core Characteristics of Citizenship
- Membership: The citizen as a subject of rights and duties within a state.
- Integration: The citizen as a member of the state.
- Participation: The citizen as a co-participant in the political management of state institutions.
- Multiculturalism: The citizen is not excluded due to ethnic, cultural, or individual differences.
Historical Milestones
The Greek Polis
Citizenship among freemen formed a political community where the institutional role was the achievement of “living well together.” Aristotle defined man as a political animal, suggesting that law is based on a community of free, equal, and virtuously educated participants who appreciate their role as citizens. Democracy, according to Aristotle, is based on legislation within a fair and free community.
Greco-Roman Era
Stoic philosophy introduced the notion of “cosmopolitan citizenship” based on common individual utility. The Roman res publica viewed governance as an issue for all, while in the civitas, the general interest took precedence over the individual.
Middle Ages
The feudal system categorized individuals as vassals under a lord or parishioners under the Church.
Modern Era
Two main formulations emerged: 1) Locke’s Liberalism, which prioritizes the free citizen as an owner and subject of rights (property); and 2) Rousseau’s Republicanism, which prioritizes the collective over the individual. Kant emphasized human dignity, moral autonomy, and the principle that individuals are an end in themselves, demanding liberty, equality, and justice for all.
Current Models of Citizenship
- Liberal: Associated with capitalist and competitive ideologies. It prioritizes the individual over the collective and the private over the public. It advocates for a minimal state to benefit individuals.
- Republican: Associated with interventionist and socialist ideologies. It prioritizes the public over the private and the social over the individual. It views the res publica as everyone’s business and advocates for a welfare state.
- Communitarianism: Associated with nationalism and cultural-ethnic groups. It prioritizes group identity. It argues that without political sovereignty, citizens are victims, and it seeks independence and exclusivity.
Virtuous Citizenship
This refers to the character of citizens who, through virtuous habits, serve as examples of civic duty.