(This is an archived extract from the book Patterns of Power: Edition 2)
Two key criteria for distinguishing between citizens and denizens are the possession of a passport, and the right to play a full part in the political system. The possession of a national passport means that the person concerned cannot be deported, because their 'home' and their ‘nationality’ are defined by the passport they hold.
For permanent residents, citizenship can be of additional value:
· It might confer additional rights, including some socio-economic rights (4.2.4.3) which might not be available to denizens.
· Through the political system it gives people the right to participate in negotiating on aspects of their governance.
· Citizens expect to live in a place for a long time, usually for the rest of their lives. They therefore have a strong interest in public services and infrastructure.
Clearly the benefits of citizenship vary enormously between different societies, and there are responsibilities which must be met if these benefits are to be realised in practice. Citizens should participate actively in making their political choices (6.6.1.1). Working together to create a better society helps to bind people together, forging a sense of national identity. People can take pride in citizenship.
© PatternsofPower.org, 2014