Citizenship

Citizenship as a status concerns who gets what from the terms of membership within a given community. Citizenship as a socio-cultural practice shines light on how and why some are recognized as (worthy) members whilst others are not. Reflecting on this distinction, this chapter starts by briefly outlining T. H. Marshall’s seminal account that has proven influential in shaping, and in many ways constraining, contemporary understandings of citizenship within society and social policy. The chapter considers the contested functions of social citizenship when it comes to capitalism, democracy and inequality. It then problematizes some of the claims underpinning normative and ideological accounts of citizenship. The chapter concludes by discussing the emergence of multiple, shifting citizenships that currently reflect and condition welfare politics. The author argues that the terms of citizenship are being reformulated not just through – but also in revolt against – de-territorialized memberships and ‘flexible’ forms of belonging and entitlement.