Critically discuss the argument that contemporary processes, such as consumerism (Bauman), individualization (Beck) and the deficit of trust (Giddens), cause the corrosion of citizenship.
Critically discuss the argument that contemporary processes, such as consumerism (Bauman), individualization (Beck) and the deficit of trust (Giddens), cause the corrosion of citizenship.
In contemporary society, aka modernity, ssociologists argue that citizenship s eroding. There are a number of reasons for this deterioration; this essay will focus on economic and technical change, social identity, and public and private spheres whilst drawing on Beck and his individualisation theory, Giddens’ and the deficit of trust and Bauman’s and his consumerism debate.
Marshall’s (1950) theory of citizenship has been discussed and criticised widely as this is where the basis of the concept of citizenship lies. He divided citizenship into three parts. Firstly the civil component, which includes the ‘freedom of speech, the right to own property and the right to justice’ (Marshall 1950 cited in Turner 2003:189). This component is necessary for the achievement of individual freedom. Secondly is the political element; ‘constituted by the rights to participate in the exercise of political power, in particular the rights to free elections and a secret ballot’ (Turner 2003:190). And finally the social component as the right to ‘a modicum of economic welfare and security to the right to share to the full in the social heritage and to live the life of a civilized being’ (Marshall 1950 cited in Turner 2003:190). Marshall further argues that tension has developed in society because of an increasing need for economic profitability, the taxation requirements and the rights of citizens to welfare provisions (Turner 1990). However his theory has been criticised by writers who argue that his argument is complacent and conservative (Roche cited in Turner 1999:192). On the other hand Taylor 2001 uses Aristotle’s notion of citizenship. Taylor maintains that Aristotle recognised that the success and fate of democracy depended upon the quality of its citizens, although
In contemporary society, aka modernity, ssociologists argue that citizenship s eroding. There are a number of reasons for this deterioration; this essay will focus on economic and technical change, social identity, and public and private spheres whilst drawing on Beck and his individualisation theory, Giddens’ and the deficit of trust and Bauman’s and his consumerism debate.
Marshall’s (1950) theory of citizenship has been discussed and criticised widely as this is where the basis of the concept of citizenship lies. He divided citizenship into three parts. Firstly the civil component, which includes the ‘freedom of speech, the right to own property and the right to justice’ (Marshall 1950 cited in Turner 2003:189). This component is necessary for the achievement of individual freedom. Secondly is the political element; ‘constituted by the rights to participate in the exercise of political power, in particular the rights to free elections and a secret ballot’ (Turner 2003:190). And finally the social component as the right to ‘a modicum of economic welfare and security to the right to share to the full in the social heritage and to live the life of a civilized being’ (Marshall 1950 cited in Turner 2003:190). Marshall further argues that tension has developed in society because of an increasing need for economic profitability, the taxation requirements and the rights of citizens to welfare provisions (Turner 1990). However his theory has been criticised by writers who argue that his argument is complacent and conservative (Roche cited in Turner 1999:192). On the other hand Taylor 2001 uses Aristotle’s notion of citizenship. Taylor maintains that Aristotle recognised that the success and fate of democracy depended upon the quality of its citizens, although