Citizenship

Question 1

Defintion

Answer 1

“A status bestowed by those who are full members of a community”

• Typically enforced as a legal standing
• Can be a given birth right or applied for through state
• Trans National // Stateless

Question 2

Marshall’s Thesis: Sequential Development

Answer 2

Full Citizen’s rights are obtained after:

1) Civil Rights: The right to individual freedom and equal standing under the law
2) Political Rights: The right to participate in the exercise of political power
3) Social Rights: The right to full social heritage and to live the life of a civilsed being. Access to services provided by the state

Works off the basis of equality of opportunity –> guaranteed minimum for everyone
and active citizenship—> rights and responsibilities
eg. paying taxes or obeying & upholding the law

Question 3

Social Class// Citizenship?

Answer 3

Social class is a hierarchal classification of wealth whereas citizenship is a status of equality. It does not aim to make everyone the same, in fact it can increase economic inequalities. eg. everyone has the right to the NHS but those with more money may choose to pay for private health care; thus creating a social divison

Question 4

Criticisms

Answer 4

• Definition is contradictory- How can an individual fully contribute to civilisation on the basic minimum
• Social Challenges- Marshall’s thesis is dominated by the ideological white, middle-class male and he therefore ignores inequalities in society. Minority groups therefore do not always receive equal rights to this ideology. Argued by feminist and post-war views.
• Neo-Liberal: Welfare programmes that are designed to help the poor, encourage passive citizenship without actually improving their chances.

Question 5

Relevance to Social Policy

Answer 5

Overall, citizenship is a contested, fluid term open to reformulation
But it remains relevant to social policy in that it:
*provides a framework upon which individuals can be included into a society and bound together
*establishes the relationship between the state and individuals
*frames one’s entitlements to welfare under the rubric of social rights