Bernard Crick and Andrew Lockyer (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748638666
- eISBN:
- 9780748671939
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748638666.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, UK Politics
This book gathers a group of political actors and academics who believe that a radically more active citizenship is a worthy aim. They spell out how it can be achieved in their particular area of ...
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This book gathers a group of political actors and academics who believe that a radically more active citizenship is a worthy aim. They spell out how it can be achieved in their particular area of concern, looking at the obstacles and how they might be overcome. Together, they show us how we can realise the dream of a citizen culture and the benefits that it would bring for democracy in the United Kingdom. The first and final chapters set the tone, respectively, on civic republicanism today and political identity. Other chapters consider active citizenship in relation to: Labour government policy; Scottish devolution; public services; gender equality; schools; multiculturalism; integrating immigrants; lifelong learning; Europe and international understanding; young people and Scottish independence.Less
This book gathers a group of political actors and academics who believe that a radically more active citizenship is a worthy aim. They spell out how it can be achieved in their particular area of concern, looking at the obstacles and how they might be overcome. Together, they show us how we can realise the dream of a citizen culture and the benefits that it would bring for democracy in the United Kingdom. The first and final chapters set the tone, respectively, on civic republicanism today and political identity. Other chapters consider active citizenship in relation to: Labour government policy; Scottish devolution; public services; gender equality; schools; multiculturalism; integrating immigrants; lifelong learning; Europe and international understanding; young people and Scottish independence.
Nicholas Deakin and Justin Davis Smith
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780197264829
- eISBN:
- 9780191754036
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- British Academy
- DOI:
- 10.5871/bacad/9780197264829.003.0004
- Subject:
- History, British and Irish Modern History
This chapter overturns the simplistic characterisation of the twentieth-century Labour party as antagonistic to voluntarism. As it sets out, while opposition to voluntarism has indeed been a theme ...
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This chapter overturns the simplistic characterisation of the twentieth-century Labour party as antagonistic to voluntarism. As it sets out, while opposition to voluntarism has indeed been a theme throughout Labour's history, particularly on the hard left, the notion of a broad and consistent antagonism is largely a myth, based upon a confusion of charity and philanthropy with other forms of co-operation, mutual aid and active citizenship. Instead, what Attlee called ‘the associative instinct’ has been an overlooked, but nevertheless important, constant in Labour's social thought, from Attlee's experiences as a young man at Toynbee Hall, through the promotion of active and local democracy in the 1940s and the revisionist turn away from macro-economics, and towards quality-of-life issues in the 1950s and 1960s, to the ‘rainbow coalition’ partnerships between local Labour administrations and voluntary groups in the 1980s.Less
This chapter overturns the simplistic characterisation of the twentieth-century Labour party as antagonistic to voluntarism. As it sets out, while opposition to voluntarism has indeed been a theme throughout Labour's history, particularly on the hard left, the notion of a broad and consistent antagonism is largely a myth, based upon a confusion of charity and philanthropy with other forms of co-operation, mutual aid and active citizenship. Instead, what Attlee called ‘the associative instinct’ has been an overlooked, but nevertheless important, constant in Labour's social thought, from Attlee's experiences as a young man at Toynbee Hall, through the promotion of active and local democracy in the 1940s and the revisionist turn away from macro-economics, and towards quality-of-life issues in the 1950s and 1960s, to the ‘rainbow coalition’ partnerships between local Labour administrations and voluntary groups in the 1980s.
Håkan Johansson and Bjørn Hvinden
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199754045
- eISBN:
- 9780199979455
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199754045.003.0012
- Subject:
- Social Work, Social Policy
Building on a review of recent scholarship about citizenship and an overview of major challenges for contemporary societies and welfare provision, the chapter proposes a new conceptual framework for ...
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Building on a review of recent scholarship about citizenship and an overview of major challenges for contemporary societies and welfare provision, the chapter proposes a new conceptual framework for studies of citizenship. According to this framework, citizenship is multidimensional, incorporating reciprocity of rights and duties, freedom of choice and self-responsibility, and participation in deliberation and decision making. Whereas these elements have conventionally been linked to alternative and conflicting understandings of citizenship, this framework emphasizes the ways in which elements associated with different understandings combine and complement each other in welfare provision and governance, as well as in people’s everyday experience. The framework enables researchers to capture the complexity, tensions, and dynamics of citizenship and the significant differences and similarities between national welfare arrangements.Less
Building on a review of recent scholarship about citizenship and an overview of major challenges for contemporary societies and welfare provision, the chapter proposes a new conceptual framework for studies of citizenship. According to this framework, citizenship is multidimensional, incorporating reciprocity of rights and duties, freedom of choice and self-responsibility, and participation in deliberation and decision making. Whereas these elements have conventionally been linked to alternative and conflicting understandings of citizenship, this framework emphasizes the ways in which elements associated with different understandings combine and complement each other in welfare provision and governance, as well as in people’s everyday experience. The framework enables researchers to capture the complexity, tensions, and dynamics of citizenship and the significant differences and similarities between national welfare arrangements.
Elizabeth Meehan
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748638666
- eISBN:
- 9780748671939
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748638666.003.0009
- Subject:
- Political Science, UK Politics
This chapter starts by acknowledging the precariousness of policy in the area of immigration and naturalisation. Acquiring a ‘sense of belonging’ which integrates ‘New and Old’ is a requisite for ...
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This chapter starts by acknowledging the precariousness of policy in the area of immigration and naturalisation. Acquiring a ‘sense of belonging’ which integrates ‘New and Old’ is a requisite for active citizenship. However, it appears that there has been a significant shift from the policy of ‘encouraging and enabling’ to the notion that citizenship must be ‘earned’. This can be associated with increasing suspicion of incomers, concern about levels of immigration and the need for secure borders. The chapter traces the development of language and cultural knowledge tests as a precondition for the granting of citizenship in the United Kingdom, as well as the provision of educational opportunities for would-be citizens to reach the threshold levels needed by the tests. The shift in ethos to ‘earned citizenship’ including a probationary period where access to benefits is limited, and serving on a community body is seen as a compulsory requirement, apparently coincides with the UK Borders Agency replacing the Advisory Board on Naturalisation and Integration as the agency advising on citizenship.Less
This chapter starts by acknowledging the precariousness of policy in the area of immigration and naturalisation. Acquiring a ‘sense of belonging’ which integrates ‘New and Old’ is a requisite for active citizenship. However, it appears that there has been a significant shift from the policy of ‘encouraging and enabling’ to the notion that citizenship must be ‘earned’. This can be associated with increasing suspicion of incomers, concern about levels of immigration and the need for secure borders. The chapter traces the development of language and cultural knowledge tests as a precondition for the granting of citizenship in the United Kingdom, as well as the provision of educational opportunities for would-be citizens to reach the threshold levels needed by the tests. The shift in ethos to ‘earned citizenship’ including a probationary period where access to benefits is limited, and serving on a community body is seen as a compulsory requirement, apparently coincides with the UK Borders Agency replacing the Advisory Board on Naturalisation and Integration as the agency advising on citizenship.
Thad Williamson
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195369434
- eISBN:
- 9780199852826
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195369434.003.0007
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
This chapter introduces another ideology—republicanism—in order to interrogate sprawl in terms of civic virtue of self-governance and assumed shared responsibility. Civic republicans challenge the ...
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This chapter introduces another ideology—republicanism—in order to interrogate sprawl in terms of civic virtue of self-governance and assumed shared responsibility. Civic republicans challenge the current American society—its institutions, culture norms, societal practices, and existing preferences to the extent of undercutting freedom as self-governance. As history dictates, however, sprawl apparently resulted from the desires of American society to live the suburban convenience, not out of a desire to foster active citizenship.Less
This chapter introduces another ideology—republicanism—in order to interrogate sprawl in terms of civic virtue of self-governance and assumed shared responsibility. Civic republicans challenge the current American society—its institutions, culture norms, societal practices, and existing preferences to the extent of undercutting freedom as self-governance. As history dictates, however, sprawl apparently resulted from the desires of American society to live the suburban convenience, not out of a desire to foster active citizenship.
Derek Heater
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748638666
- eISBN:
- 9780748671939
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748638666.003.0011
- Subject:
- Political Science, UK Politics
This chapter considers the role of active citizenship in Europe and other parts of the world. It acknowledges the predisposition to regard the city or nation state as the primary sphere of citizen's ...
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This chapter considers the role of active citizenship in Europe and other parts of the world. It acknowledges the predisposition to regard the city or nation state as the primary sphere of citizen's rights and responsibilities, but identifies a long-standing tradition of thinking about cosmopolitan citizenship going back to the Stoics and Romans. The commitment to transnational matters ought not to be deleterious to a citizen's other responsibilities, but active citizenship requires institutions through which to act. The chapter argues that it is necessary for active European or world citizens to have effective supranational institutions, and outlines the existing opportunities for citizen engagement at a European Union level and through international organisations. It also explains why transnational active citizenship has been weak in Britain both in terms of party policies and the deficiency of information on international matters in the popular press. However, it takes an ‘idealist’ perspective: the ‘political illiteracy of the multitude’ on European and international affairs is not irremediable.Less
This chapter considers the role of active citizenship in Europe and other parts of the world. It acknowledges the predisposition to regard the city or nation state as the primary sphere of citizen's rights and responsibilities, but identifies a long-standing tradition of thinking about cosmopolitan citizenship going back to the Stoics and Romans. The commitment to transnational matters ought not to be deleterious to a citizen's other responsibilities, but active citizenship requires institutions through which to act. The chapter argues that it is necessary for active European or world citizens to have effective supranational institutions, and outlines the existing opportunities for citizen engagement at a European Union level and through international organisations. It also explains why transnational active citizenship has been weak in Britain both in terms of party policies and the deficiency of information on international matters in the popular press. However, it takes an ‘idealist’ perspective: the ‘political illiteracy of the multitude’ on European and international affairs is not irremediable.
Andrew Lockyer
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748638666
- eISBN:
- 9780748671939
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748638666.003.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, UK Politics
This book explores civic republicanism and citizenship, active citizenship and Britain's Labour Party, and the sharing of power between the people of Scotland, the legislators and the Scottish ...
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This book explores civic republicanism and citizenship, active citizenship and Britain's Labour Party, and the sharing of power between the people of Scotland, the legislators and the Scottish Executive. It also discusses the changing balance of power since World War II between elites and citizens in respect, particularly, of the health professions; gender equality and democracy; what active citizenship can achieve for schools and through schools; the meaning of multiculturalism and its bearing on citizenship education in schools and naturalisation policy; immigration and naturalisation; democratic citizenship and lifelong active learning; the role of active citizenship in European and international contexts; the making of young people into active citizens; active citizenship and sharing of power in Scotland, focusing on the need to go beyond devolution; and Britain as a multinational and multicultural state.Less
This book explores civic republicanism and citizenship, active citizenship and Britain's Labour Party, and the sharing of power between the people of Scotland, the legislators and the Scottish Executive. It also discusses the changing balance of power since World War II between elites and citizens in respect, particularly, of the health professions; gender equality and democracy; what active citizenship can achieve for schools and through schools; the meaning of multiculturalism and its bearing on citizenship education in schools and naturalisation policy; immigration and naturalisation; democratic citizenship and lifelong active learning; the role of active citizenship in European and international contexts; the making of young people into active citizens; active citizenship and sharing of power in Scotland, focusing on the need to go beyond devolution; and Britain as a multinational and multicultural state.
Dina Kiwan
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748638666
- eISBN:
- 9780748671939
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748638666.003.0008
- Subject:
- Political Science, UK Politics
This chapter examines the meaning of multiculturalism and its bearing on two related areas of citizenship policy: citizenship education in schools and naturalisation policy. It explores the idea of ...
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This chapter examines the meaning of multiculturalism and its bearing on two related areas of citizenship policy: citizenship education in schools and naturalisation policy. It explores the idea of political citizenship from a multicultural standpoint and argues that the ‘glue’ holding together the three strands of citizenship education — political literacy, social and moral responsibility, and community involvement — is public participation based on appropriate learned knowledge and skills. It also contends that active participation requires citizens not simply to be secure in their personal identities but for these to be related to, and reflected in, the larger community. Moreover, it considers the proposal that ‘identity and diversity: living together in the United Kingdom’ be added as a fourth strand to the ‘key concepts’ in the citizenship curriculum alongside ‘democracy and justice’, ‘rights and responsibilities’ and ‘critical thinking’.Less
This chapter examines the meaning of multiculturalism and its bearing on two related areas of citizenship policy: citizenship education in schools and naturalisation policy. It explores the idea of political citizenship from a multicultural standpoint and argues that the ‘glue’ holding together the three strands of citizenship education — political literacy, social and moral responsibility, and community involvement — is public participation based on appropriate learned knowledge and skills. It also contends that active participation requires citizens not simply to be secure in their personal identities but for these to be related to, and reflected in, the larger community. Moreover, it considers the proposal that ‘identity and diversity: living together in the United Kingdom’ be added as a fourth strand to the ‘key concepts’ in the citizenship curriculum alongside ‘democracy and justice’, ‘rights and responsibilities’ and ‘critical thinking’.
Caitríona Beaumont
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- January 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780719086076
- eISBN:
- 9781781705971
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Manchester University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7228/manchester/9780719086076.003.0003
- Subject:
- History, Social History
Here the meaning and concept of citizenship, as interpreted by the five voluntary women's organisations included in this study is considered. This discussion is set in the context of the inter-war ...
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Here the meaning and concept of citizenship, as interpreted by the five voluntary women's organisations included in this study is considered. This discussion is set in the context of the inter-war period as well as making reference to more recent debates surrounding the ‘gendering of citizenship’ by academics such as Walby (1994), Lister (1997) and Yuval-Davis (1997). The chapter then explores the ways in which the five organisations sought to educate their members in active citizenship and how each group encouraged its members to engage with politics and public life in order to enhance the status of women in British society.Less
Here the meaning and concept of citizenship, as interpreted by the five voluntary women's organisations included in this study is considered. This discussion is set in the context of the inter-war period as well as making reference to more recent debates surrounding the ‘gendering of citizenship’ by academics such as Walby (1994), Lister (1997) and Yuval-Davis (1997). The chapter then explores the ways in which the five organisations sought to educate their members in active citizenship and how each group encouraged its members to engage with politics and public life in order to enhance the status of women in British society.
John Annette
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748638666
- eISBN:
- 9780748671939
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748638666.003.0010
- Subject:
- Political Science, UK Politics
This chapter reflects on the plurality of opportunities presently being developed in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world for deliberative democratic participation of citizens to ...
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This chapter reflects on the plurality of opportunities presently being developed in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world for deliberative democratic participation of citizens to revitalise local communities. It examines the limitations of the theory of social capital which views community volunteering as the model for promoting civic renewal, without recognising the importance of the political aspect of civic engagement. It explores New Labour's social policies on neighbourhood renewal and civic engagement in terms of creating a new relationship between state and civil society, replacing government by governance. This, the chapter argues, looks to a new democratic politics which might include ‘referendums, consultative activities, and deliberative participation’. The chapter focuses on a particular initiative in adult learning introduced by the UK Home Office's Civil Renewal Unit, namely the Active Learning for Active Citizenship (ALAC) programme. It provides a community-based ‘learning framework’ which recognises difference while enabling ‘a shared political identity of citizenship’. It views experiential learning as a means to advance the programme of active citizenship.Less
This chapter reflects on the plurality of opportunities presently being developed in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world for deliberative democratic participation of citizens to revitalise local communities. It examines the limitations of the theory of social capital which views community volunteering as the model for promoting civic renewal, without recognising the importance of the political aspect of civic engagement. It explores New Labour's social policies on neighbourhood renewal and civic engagement in terms of creating a new relationship between state and civil society, replacing government by governance. This, the chapter argues, looks to a new democratic politics which might include ‘referendums, consultative activities, and deliberative participation’. The chapter focuses on a particular initiative in adult learning introduced by the UK Home Office's Civil Renewal Unit, namely the Active Learning for Active Citizenship (ALAC) programme. It provides a community-based ‘learning framework’ which recognises difference while enabling ‘a shared political identity of citizenship’. It views experiential learning as a means to advance the programme of active citizenship.
