Polis – Greek –
The idea of citizenship is very old. Arose in the eighth century BC, in Greece, a society in which men were considered free and equal, called Polis – Greek. Power was no longer concentrated in the hands of just one individual as in the past, all decisions that would affect the community were discussed, deliberated and voted on. In that period citizenship was far from being universal, only those who possessed material wealth and land properties were considered citizens.
Citizenship in the Middle Ages –
In the Middle Ages with feudalism, citizenship encountered obstacles, with numerous aspects that made its existence unfeasible. The power of feudalism was administered by the Catholic Church and the exercise of that power was hierarchical and unquestionable.
Under this structure, citizenship could not exist, because among the Greeks citizenship was equality between men and the right to discuss and deliberate to resolve conflicts, while in feudalism power was arbitrarily divided and the dictates of the church were uncontested.
Citizenship in the Renaissance –
The period between the 14th and 16th centuries called the Renaissance was the time of transition from feudalism to capitalism and was marked by the resurgence of citizenship. He was considered a citizen who possessed the right over city-state issues. Such a right did not cover everyone, citizenship was a privilege of the ruling elite.
Citizenship today –
Aristotle defined the citizen as everyone who has the right and consequently the duty to form a government, today being a citizen encompasses much more than that.
To be a citizen is to have rights and duties and to be recognized as a full and equal member of society. Citizenship is the achievement of such rights and the fulfillment of duties.
It is through citizenship that the individual can exercise his fundamental role in the development of society, fighting for better individual and collective guarantees and for essential rights such as: the right to life, freedom, property, and equality.
A striking fact that raised citizenship to what we know today was the UN Bill of Rights (1948). It states that all men are equal before the law, regardless of race, creed or ethnicity. The right to a living wage, education, health, housing and leisure is conferred. The right of free expression, of military in political parties, trade unions, movements and civil society organizations is guaranteed.
With regard to duties, the Charter establishes that it is up to men to assert the rights of all people, to be responsible for the social group, to respect and comply with norms and laws drawn up and decided on collectively.
little monster 😀