Citizenship and naturalisation
There are many definitions of citizenship. Simply put:Citizenship means that people feel involved: that they use their efforts to make a contribution towards improving the social climate and to take responsibility for their social surroundings. A citizen should feel like he co-owns his street and neighbourhood. His children’s school is his school, the tree in front of his house is his tree. Public space is the city’s living room, where you meet each other. Where you seek out each other’s support and where you share your experiences with one another. This bond should form a bridge between residents with one another and residents with their neighbourhood and the local government. Citizenship means that people feel involved and take responsibility for the quality of the social environment.
Citizenship means investment
Citizenship will take shape by investing in the following four areas:
- Investing in human capital, investing in equal opportunities, rights and obligations
- Investing in connections
- Investing in setting guidelines and enforcing them
The result of this 'social investment quadrangle' is a socially responsible city which provides a nice place to live. Where people feel respected and appreciated for the contributions they make to society. Where initiative is welcomed but where antisocial behaviour is punished. Citizenship should also mean that citizens who walk away from their social responsibilities will be asked to explain themselves. See naturalisation.