Several preliminary definitions, obser- vations, and qualifications are in order.
Contemporary political discourse uses the term ‘citizenship’ very loosely, often treat- ing 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 cate- gory 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.