CHAPTER :02
1. Introduction to Citizenship
What is Citizenship?
Citizenship is when you are officially recognized as a member of a country. It gives you rights
like voting, and responsibilities like following the law and helping your community.
Historical Example (Ancient Greece):
● Athens was the first place where citizenship was developed. It was the beginning of
democracy. Citizens were expected to actively participate in debates, voting, and even
military service.
● Limitation: Only free-born men could be citizens, while women, slaves, and
foreigners were excluded.
Pakistani Example:
● As a citizen of Pakistan, you have the right to vote in national elections, freedom of
speech, and access to healthcare, but you also have the duty to pay taxes and follow
the law.
2. Dimensions of Citizenship
Citizenship is not just about legal rights. It includes 4 main dimensions that define a citizen’s
role in society.
(a) Political Dimension
● What it is: Refers to your right to vote and participate in the political process.
● Example: In Pakistan, voting in national and provincial elections is a key political
right.
(b) Social Dimension
● What it is: Involves the relationships between people in society. It’s about being
respectful and helping others in your community.
● Example: Edhi Foundation in Pakistan, where people volunteer to help others, reflects
this aspect of citizenship.
(c) Cultural Dimension
● What it is: It’s about sharing a common culture, understanding your history, and
respecting your country's traditions.
● Example: Celebrating Pakistan Day on March 23 and recognizing the importance of
Urdu as a national language.
(d) Economic Dimension
● What it is: It’s about your right to work, earn a living, and have access to job
opportunities.
● Example: Kamyab Jawan Program by the Pakistan government, which trains young
people and helps them find jobs.
3. Citizenship as a Status
Citizenship can be seen as a status, meaning the rights you have as a citizen, given to you by
the government.
Weak vs. Strong Citizenship
● Weak Citizenship: When you only enjoy rights (like voting and freedom of speech)
without taking any action to help society or participate in government.
● Strong Citizenship: Involves not just enjoying rights, but also actively participating in
government and society. This includes voting, paying taxes, and volunteering to help
others.
Pakistani Example:
● Weak Citizenship: Enjoying healthcare and education but not participating in local
governance or voting.
● Strong Citizenship: Actively voting, engaging in community services, or
volunteering for disaster relief.
4. History of Citizenship Thinking in Public Administration
Citizenship thinking has changed over time in the way governments view the role of citizens.
Early 20th Century (Progressive Era)
● What happened: During the Progressive Era, reforms aimed to make city
governments less corrupt and more efficient. Citizens were encouraged to become
better informed and help with public reforms.
Example (U.S.): Reformers like Frederick Cleveland focused on removing corruption
from city governments and making the system more professional.
Mid-20th Century (Post-WWII)
● What happened: After World War II, public administration became more scientific and
focused on management rather than citizen participation. The role of citizens was less
emphasized.
Example (Pakistan): After Independence, Pakistan focused on bureaucratic control
and economic planning rather than involving citizens in government decisions.
Re-emergence of Citizenship (1980s)
● What happened: In the 1980s, there was growing public distrust in government due to
scandals. Public administrators argued that citizens should be more involved in
government decision-making and should take on more responsibility.
Example (Pakistan): After 1988, Pakistan started promoting decentralized
governance and local elections, giving citizens a stronger voice in government.
1990s
● What happened: In the 1990s, two ideas about citizenship emerged:
○ Reinventing Government: Focused on treating citizens as customers and
improving efficiency in government.
○ Government is Us: Focused on shared responsibility between citizens and
government.
● Example (Pakistan): With the devolution of power, local governments were given
more responsibility, allowing citizens to take part in decisions directly affecting their
communities.
Pakistani Example of Citizenship Evolution
● Before 1980s: The government was very centralized, with little citizen participation.
● Post-1980s: Pakistan started devolution reforms to give more power to local
governments and encourage citizens to be more involved in decision-making,
especially in local elections.
Key Takeaways
Here’s a simple summary of the key points:
Concept What It Means Example (Pakistan)
Political Dimension Right to vote, participation in Voting in national elections
government
Social Dimension Helping and respecting people in your Volunteering for Edhi
community Foundation
Cultural Dimension Shared culture and traditions Celebrating Pakistan Day
Economic Right to work and earn a living Kamyab Jawan Program
Dimension
Citizenship as Status Legal rights and protections Voting rights, freedom of
speech
Weak vs. Strong Rights without duties vs. rights with Voting, community work,
Citizenship active participation paying taxes
Progressive Era Focusing on efficiency and removing Early reforms in U.S. cities
corruption
Post-WWII Focus on technical management, less Bureaucratic control in
citizen input Pakistan
1980s Re-emergence Citizens as active participants in Devolution and local
governance elections
1990s Customer service vs. citizen Local government reforms
responsibility in Pakistan