Citizenship and Social class

British sociologist T.H. Marshall once stated, “Civil rights gave legal powers whose use was drastically curtailed by class prejudice and lack of economic opportunity.  Political rights gave potential power whose exercise demanded experience, organisation and a change of ideas as to proper functions of government.  All these took time to develop. Social rights were at a minimum and were not woven into the fabric of citizens. The common purpose of statutory and voluntary effort was to abate the nuisance of poverty without disturbing the pattern of inequality of which poverty was the most obviously unpleasant consequences.”

Marshall spoke of the progress of civil, political, and social citizenship as a gradual sequence. One coming after the other. Civil Citizenship came first and established the laws and equality of the laws.  

Political rights followed with reform. The right to vote came to working people, women, and people of color. Marshall thought of social citizenship not just of belonging to a certain state or nation, but being a full member of the community. Otherwise known as being a part of society. It is often assumed that that social rights automatically happens, however it is something not so easily established and maintained. Because like Marshall stated it’s not “woven into the fabric of citizens”. This can be applied to us because there is a lack of community amongst Americans. People do not care enough about each other, try to walk in their shoes, or try to help each other.

I chose this passage because I feel like we as Americans need to progress more socially. Many problems we have whether it be with the government, police, or just personal. Result in or can be attributed to crime, discord, homelessness, hunger etc. Our government boasts patriotism but doesn’t take care of all its citizens. Police brutality is a constant subject. A source of conflict within the minority community because they feel like they are being judged and discriminated against. Then us as people never want to pay more taxes because we feel like it wouldn’t benefit us. But what about the others that may need? While there have been advances there is still more work to be done civilly, politically and socially. Because all children don’t receive the same education, health care isn’t uniform, and there are people who have no place to sleep at night. While these differences are still among it is hard for everyone to treat each other the same.