The later 1980s where the term active citizenship was first talked about, in which was discussed is the citizen’s responsibility to be merciful and generous to others (Kearns, 1995:157). Currently, the version of active citizenship that has emerged has a number of key characteristics. (Kearns, 1995), states that it is individualistic and counterposed to collectivist approaches to welfare. Increasing responsibly for welfare is being passed over from the state to the individual citizens whose compulsion to get active is to derive from their personal morality and the prospect of the approbation of others, rather than from feelings of community belonging. Therefore, this combination of personal effort and the exercise of moral judgement by citizens to the longer-term project of reforming the welfare state.
To elaborate from this, active citizenship has an important role in society as it encourages people to become more socially active within their community, as by providing with jobs, opportunities, and a role in the community, it will give them a sense of belonging in the community by giving back to their community and society.
By cleaning up graffiti in the streets of Starley Cross, it is not just helping the neighbourhood by keeping it clean, you are giving back to your community, by standing up sticking to your beliefs, which may be to become an ‘Active Citizen’ and wanting to have a safe and clean neighbourhood.
As stated above, it is an important role in society as it helps the community and yourself. By contributing to society, it is filled with many benefits that will help in later life. E.g., Improving and developing new skills, taking leadership and responsibility and becoming socially active. These benefits and skills will help in later life as this will develop into the kind of citizen in the community you will become.
Starley Cross Community Safety Team 