What Are Citizenship Studies About?

This introduction considers various measures of successful societies such as equality, citizenship, community, and civility. Demographic conditions are also important in terms of fertility and mortality rates. The replacement rate is a fundamental measure of a population’s health. The chapter considers the late development of citizenship rights for women and critically examines theories of citizenship that have neglected women and citizenship. Citizenship is set within an historical framework beginning with ancient Greece and the European city. It concludes with the revolutions in England, France and America with the development of universal rights. In the UK 1945 saw the creation of a welfare state based on the principles of full employment, free education, and a public health service. This period is examined through the history of the post-war generation (the Baby Boomers). Generation is as important in understanding these changes as class and status. The contributions of Marshall and Dahrendorf on entitlements, provisions and citizenship are analysed. Major changes in the economy – deindustrialisation, financialisation and neo-liberalism – have contributed to the decline of the ambitious welfare programmes of 1945. The US and UK have both been blighted by racism. The basic principles of citizenship are now challenged by populism, social and political unrest, and fake news.

© Bryan S. Turner, 2024. All rights reserved.