Citizenship, at its core, signifies membership within a community. It’s a concept deeply intertwined with legal rights, responsibilities, and a sense of belonging. Understanding what citizenship truly means requires exploring its various facets, from legal definitions to its implications in both individual and corporate contexts.
Defining Citizenship
According to Merriam-Webster, citizenship is defined as “membership in a community.” This broad definition allows for an inclusive understanding, encompassing social inclusion and exclusion within the realm of civic engagement.
Citizenship also encompasses a formal legal relationship between an individual and a state. This relationship entails specific rights and duties, forming the foundation of a person’s legal standing within a nation. GlobalCIT defines citizenship as: A legal status and relation between an individual and a state that entails specific legal rights and duties.
Citizenship is often used interchangeably with nationality. However, when differentiated, citizenship refers specifically to the legal rights and duties individuals possess under domestic law by virtue of their nationality. Some national laws further specify citizenship to include rights and duties exercisable only after reaching the age of majority (e.g., voting rights) or within the national territory.
The Citizen Defined
A citizen actively participates within a political community. Citizenship is acquired by meeting the legal requirements established by national, state, or local governments. In return for certain rights and privileges granted by a nation, citizens are expected to uphold the laws of their country and defend it.
The value and implications of citizenship differ across nations. In some countries, citizenship grants the right to vote, hold government office, and receive unemployment benefits.
Merely residing in a country does not automatically confer citizenship. Individuals from one country residing in another are considered aliens. Their rights and obligations are governed by political treaties and the laws of their host country. In the United States, aliens are obligated to obey laws and pay taxes, similar to U.S. citizens. They must register with the government to obtain legal permission for extended stays. While legal aliens are entitled to legal protection, access to courts, the right to own property, conduct business, and attend public schools, they cannot vote or hold government office. Furthermore, some states restrict aliens from practicing certain professions until they become citizens.
Under U.S. law, a noncitizen national is neither a citizen nor an alien, but owes permanent allegiance to the United States. This category enjoys some, but not all, rights of citizens. For instance, residents of a U.S. territory may lack voting rights. American Samoans born after the U.S. acquired the territory in 1900 are considered noncitizen nationals.
Corporate Citizenship Explained
Beyond individual citizenship, the concept of corporate citizenship addresses a company’s responsibilities towards society. It acknowledges that businesses have social, cultural, and environmental obligations, in addition to their economic and financial responsibilities to shareholders and stakeholders.
The Business Dictionary defines corporate citizenship as: A company’s role in, or responsibilities towards society.
The Corporate Citizen Research Unit (CCRU) at Deakin University in Australia expands on this definition, stating that corporate citizenship involves an organization recognizing the need for significant internal and external changes to better meet its responsibilities to all stakeholders. This approach aims to establish and maintain sustainable success for the organization and, consequently, long-term sustainable success for the broader community.
Furthermore, corporate citizenship embodies the belief that companies must actively care for their employees’ lives and have social responsibilities, even if fulfilling these responsibilities incurs costs (Stebbins, L.F. (2001). Work and family in America. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, Inc.).
Conclusion
Citizenship is a multifaceted concept, encompassing legal rights and duties, community membership, and a sense of belonging. It applies not only to individuals but also to corporations, highlighting their responsibilities towards society and the environment. Understanding the various dimensions of citizenship is crucial for fostering a more inclusive, responsible, and sustainable world.
