Detailed Summary
Citizenship is fundamentally about full and equal membership in a political community, shaping our identities as members of nations, such as Indians or Japanese. This membership grants citizens various rights and protections that are expected during their travels. The plight of the many individuals living as refugees or illegal migrants highlights the stark contrast between those enjoying citizenship and those who are not, as these marginalized groups often exist without state protections.
The distinction of rights that come with citizenship varies from state to state but generally includes political rights like voting, civil rights such as freedom of speech, and socio-economic rights like education and access to a minimum standard of living. Such rights have been won through struggle over time, evidenced by historical movements including the French Revolution and independence movements across Asia and Africa.
Presently, active struggles for equality continue, as seen in movements advocating for women's rights or the rights of marginalized communities such as the Dalits in India. The concept of citizenship also encompasses citizen responsibilities to contribute positively to their communities and culture, thus highlighting the mutual obligations between citizens and their states.