Citizenship and Social Class

 Citizenship is a status bestowed on those who are full members of a community. All who posses the 

status are equal with respect to the rights and duties with which the statuses endowed. There is no 

universal principle that determines what those rights and duties shall be, but societies in which 

citizenship is a developing institution create an image of an ideal citizenship against which 

achievement can be measured and towards which aspiration can be directed. The urge forward along 

the path thus plotted is an urge towards a fuller measure of equality, an enrichment of the stuff of 

which the status is made and an increase in the number of those whom the status is bestowed. Social 

class, on the other hand, is a system of inequality. And it too, like citizenship, can be based on a set of 

ideals, beliefs and values. It is therefore reasonable to expect that the impact of citizenship on social

class take the form of a conflict between opposing principles. If I am right in my contention that the

citizenship has been a developing institution in England at least since the latter part of the seventeen

century, then it is clear that its growth coincides with the rise of capitalism, which is a system, not of

equality, but of inequality. Here is something that needs explaining. How is it that these two 

opposing principles could grow and flourish side by side in the same oil? What made it possible for 

them to be reconciled with one another and to become, for a time at least, allies instead of antagonist?

 The question is a pertinent one, for it is clear that, in the twentieth century, citizenship and capitalist 

class system have been at war.

 Citizenship is based on the way of living. Societies display an image of what a citizen should be, 

have and work towards to, to be a good citizen. To do these things and more will make a citizen feel 

accomplished. Social class is not as equal as being a citizen. Everyone has different beliefs and values 

which may arise conflicts between each other. The systems created are not meant to be equal but 

rather the opposite. Citizenship and Socialism should be two matters worked together instead of 

against another.

  I think that citizenship and socialism are really important factors amongst residents and should be 

taken more seriously. We should be more involved in whats going on around us so that we can be 

better prepared. However as far as these systems working together I don't think we will ever achieve 

that for the simple fact of this countries diversity. But, I do believe more factors should be taken into 

consideration leaving out religion, which is too controversial in itself. We have to demand our rights 

and work as a community.