Several preliminary definitions, observations,
and qualifications are in order.
Contemporary political discourse uses the
term ‘citizenship’ very loosely, often treating
it as little more than an empty vessel into
which speakers may pour their own social
and political ideals (Schuck, 1998: Ch. 8).
Citizenship has become the normative category
of choice, invoked by critics of the
status quo – on both the Left and the Right –
as a vehicle for demanding that the state do
more, or less, to advance equality, justice, and
participation in the civil society, economy,
or polity.