CONCEIVING THE CONTEMPORARY CITIZENSHIP: MAIN APPROACHES, NEW DIMENSIONS AND A NEW CITIZENSHIP FRAME

Abstract

Within the globalization process, citizenship has gained a vital position in the relationship among the local, national, and global levels of social life. Moreover, it has emerged as an important basis for the rights and freedom of cultural identities and social roles, which have recently gained more visibility. This situation has rendered the idea of conceiving contemporary citizenship, through its classical definitions and under the aegis of nationstates, practically impossible. Thus, focusing on the historical processes of this concept is essential for surmounting the rigid identification of nation-state citizenship (which has occurred over the last two centuries) and the restrictions that this situation has created. Focusing on such processes can also render a broader perspective and allow one to further analyze the concept by exposing the meanings and references beyond its basic identification. Based on such a perspective, this study examines the main approaches to citizenship and discusses the new dimensions that it has recently obtained. It also defines and outlines contemporary, inclusive, and emancipatory citizenship in order to provide the framework for maintaining/improving democratic rights and freedom in the future.