A Theory Of Citizenship : Organizing Plurality In Contemporary Democracies

Does vital citizenship require moral consensus? Or is it the ability to organize our differences, that allows people to live together as citizens in a republic? Whereas liberal, republican, and communitarian theories of citizenship analyzed the conditions of citizenship, the central message of this book is that the practical exercise of citizenship, under conditions that are far from ideal, is the main source of its vitality. Instead of arguing for more participation, it focuses on the citizenship of those who, for whatever reason, are already active in the public sphere. Herman van Gunsteren develops a theory of citizenship well suited to the era of political reform that was inaugurated by the revolutions of 1989. Does Vital Citizenship Require Moral Consensus? Or Is It The Ability To Organize Their Differences That Allows People To Live Together As Citizens In A Republic? Whereas Liberal, Republican, And Communitarian Theories Of Citizenship Analyzed The Conditions Of Citizenship, The Central Message Of This Book Is That The Practical Exercise Of Citizenship, Under Conditions That Are Far From Ideal, Is The Main Source Of Its Vitality, Instead Of Arguing For More Participation, It Focuses On The Citizenship Of Those Who, For Whatever Reason, Are Already Active In The Public Sphere. Pt. 1. Why Citizenship? 1. Citizenship On The Political Agenda. 2. Theories Of Citizenship, Old And New -- Pt. 2. What Citizens Do. 3. Plurality In The Unknown Society. 4. Against Consensus. 5. Deep Groups Under A Multicultural Surface. 6. Citizens In Public Office -- Pt. 3. How Citizens Are Formed. 7. Education. 8. Admission And Exclusion. 9. Work And Third Age Citizens. 10. Moral Unity Or A Steady Diet Of Conflicts? 11. Political Institutions And The Idea Of Citizenship. The Outlook For Citizenship. Herman Van Gunsteren. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Does vital citizenship require moral consensus? Or is it the ability to organize their differences that allows people to live together as citizens in a republic? Whereas liberal, republican, and communitarian theories of citizenship analyzed the conditions of citizenship, the central message of this book is that the practical exercise of citizenship, under conditions that are far from ideal, is the main source of its vitality. Instead of arguing for more participation, it focuses on the citizenship of those who, for whatever reason, are already active in the public sphere. Herman van Gunsteren develops a theory of citizenship well suited to the era of political reform that was inaugurated by the revolutions of 1989.