Citizenship
Citizenship
Citizenship
2023
Project on: Modern citizenship and citizenship in the age of globalization
Name: Sneha
Submitted By
SNEHA
Submitted To:
Assistant Professor
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to express my special thanks to our mentor Miss. Priya Chanana for
her time and efforts she provided throughout the year. Your useful advice and
suggestions were really helpful to me during the project’s completion. In this
aspect, I am eternally grateful to you.
I would like to acknowledge that this project was completed entirely by me and not
by someone else.
Your name
Sneha
Content
Abstract
Introduction
Citizenship , The Nation-State, And Globalization
Modern Citizenship
Conclusion
Abstract
The concept of Citizenship is centuries old and it had stood the test of time. Various
countries have tried and adapted different types of citizenships depending on the
circumstances. They follow different processes and procedures to grant Citizenship
to the applicants who are not covered by the laws governing the natural citizenship.
Countries also get affected by the centuries old phenomena of migration (reasons
could be many) and migrants too apply for the citizenship. It is important to note
that not all applicants succeed in getting the Citizenship. Some of them get deported
and some suffer with what is termed as 'Statelessness' (as the original country from
where they fled, for whatever reasons, also refuses to accept them back). It's a worst
state for a human being to exist in. All such relevant aspects related to citizenship
have been examined in the paper.
India too has been going through various issues like migration across its borders,
Rohingya problems, globalisation related migration and its impacts. India has to find
cogent measures to address these issues. This paper thus deals with a broad brush
canvas related to citizenship and globalisation and attempts to analyses different
facets of citizenship. Forces propagating globalisation, impact of globalisation on
citizenship universally, specific impact on India and ways for dealing with it in India
related scenario and some viable suggestion for consideration.
INTRODUCTION
The idea that citizenship exists in uneasy relationship with globalization is
intuitively plausible. Citizenship derives from the existence of a community of
people, a polity, embedded in a geographically bounded nation state recognized by
other nations and with boundaries and laws upheld, if necessary, by force.
Globalization, on the other hand, is a phenomenon. It has political, economic,
sociocultural, and technological dimensions 1, and refers to integration and inter-
connectedness across national boundaries along these dimensions. Because goods,
services, ideas, and people have always moved, to some extent, around the globe,
references to globalization today speak to a change in the magnitude of such
movement. It is a phenomenon of increased interconnectedness – increased flows of
goods, services, people, and ideas through traditional as well as new channels. This
increase has made the relationship of citizen and the nation state more complex.
Current globalization results from the global spread of capitalism, by
internationalization of functions of production, and by changes in communications
technology. Scholars differ on precise definitions of globalization, but there is
consensus that it involves blurring of boundaries. In this paper, “globalization” will
refer to “a cluster of related changes that are increasing the interconnectedness of
the world. These changes are occurring in, but not limited to, economic,
technological, cultural, and political realms. Furthermore, globalization is not
restricted to merely enhancing the interdependence of already existing entities or the
intensification of established networks or flows, but is also creating or facilitating
the creation of new ones 2.”
Two aspects of globalization have implications for citizenship. First, the movement
of people across national boundaries to live and work calls into question issues of
national identity and belonging, of membership in a polity, and of the rights that
accrue to that membership. Second, a hallmark of globalization is the existence of
transnational and multinational organizations that are overlays on national
sovereignty. These exist in parallel with the nation state and both complicate and
diffuse the rights and privileges that accrue to citizenship.
1
Croucher, Sheila L., Globalization and Belonging, The Politics of Identity in a Changing World, Rowman &
Littlefield Publishers, Inc., Lanham Maryland, 2004, page 10
2
Ibid, page 13
CITIZENSHIP, THE NATION-STATE, AND GLOBALIZATION
3
Croucher, Sheila L., Op Cit, pages 36-37.
4
Schnapper, Dominique, Community of Citizens, On the Modern Idea of Nationality, Transaction Publishers,
New Brunswick New Jersey, 1998, page 12.
extent to which globalization’s blurring of boundaries affects the cohesion of the
community of citizens and therefore legitimacy of the nation state.
Citizenship in the age of globalization is a complex and evolving concept that raises
fundamental questions about identity, rights, responsibilities, and the balance
between national sovereignty and global cooperation. It necessitates ongoing
discussions, adaptations in legal and political systems, and a recognition of the
interconnected nature of our world.
Globalization has given rise to transnational identities, dual or multiple citizenship,
and a sense of global interconnectedness. It has also brought forth new challenges,
including the need to address global issues, protect the rights of migrants and
stateless persons, and navigate the tension between nationalism and globalism.
Modern citizenship refers to the legal and political status of individuals within a
specific nation-state in the contemporary era. It is a fundamental concept in political
science and sociology and plays a crucial role in defining the rights and
responsibilities of individuals in their relationship with the state. It's important to
note that the specific rights and responsibilities associated with modern citizenship
can vary from one country to another, as each nation has its own laws and regulations
governing citizenship. In recent years, discussions about citizenship have also
evolved in response to globalization, transnationalism, and the recognition of
universal human rights, challenging and expanding traditional notions of citizenship.
Modern citizenship is a complex and evolving concept that reflects the changing
nature of societies and the rights and responsibilities of individuals within them. It
is subject to ongoing debates, legal reforms, and efforts to address historical
injustices and inequalities while adapting to the challenges and opportunities of the
contemporary world.
3. Civic Participation: Citizens are expected to participate in the civic life of their
country. This participation can take various forms, including voting in elections,
paying taxes, serving on juries, and engaging in political and community activities.
4. Legal Protections: Citizens enjoy specific legal protections, such as the right to
a fair trial, equal treatment under the law, and due process. These protections help
safeguard their individual rights and freedoms.
5. Social and Economic Rights: Citizenship often includes access to social and
economic rights, such as healthcare, education, and social welfare programs. These
rights are meant to provide citizens with a certain standard of living and well-being.
6. Political Rights: Citizens typically have the right to participate in the political
process by voting in elections, running for office, and engaging in political activism.
They play a crucial role in shaping the policies and governance of the nation.
10. Citizenship Rights and Inequalities: The concept of modern citizenship has
evolved over time, and some groups, historically, have been excluded or
marginalized in the citizenship framework. Efforts to address these inequalities have
led to expanded rights and protections for previously excluded or disadvantaged
populations.
Conclusion
Both concepts highlight the complex nature of citizenship in the modern world,
where individuals may navigate multiple affiliations, engage with global challenges,
and grapple with evolving questions of identity and belonging. As globalization
continues to shape our interconnected world, citizenship is likely to remain a subject
of ongoing discussion and adaptation, reflecting the changing dynamics of our global
society. The two concepts are interrelated and provide insights into the multifaceted
nature of citizenship in the contemporary era.