A citizen is a member of a nation or political community who shares in the rights and responsibilities of that community. Citizenship may be acquired by birth or descent (jus soli), or by naturalization. Different nations have different rules and procedures for acquiring citizenship. Citizenship laws also differ by social class, gender and other characteristics. Laws serve various purposes, including establishing standards, maintaining order, resolving disputes, and protecting liberties and rights.
The legal concept of citizen reflects the history of human civilizations and their struggle to achieve freedom from tyranny. It has been influenced by many thinkers, including the philosophers Locke and Montesquieu. Max Weber reshaped thinking about the extension of government power over the lives of ordinary people, and modern military, policing and bureaucratic powers pose unique challenges to accountability that earlier writers could not have foreseen.
In general, citizens enjoy rights that are enshrined in the constitution of their country or community and they assume obligations that are set out in the same document. For example, a citizen has the right to vote and hold public office, while the obligation to pay taxes is written into the national Constitution. Citizenship is a fundamental part of the social contract, and it is important for people to understand their rights, responsibilities and role in society.
Global citizens see themselves as a part of an emerging global community and are concerned with the impact their actions have on the world at large, not just their own local communities. They make environmentally friendly choices and are curious about human cultures all over the globe. They want to learn about and explore different cultures and travel to experience these cultural treasures firsthand. They understand that they have a responsibility to the world at large, and they take this seriously.
They work together with other citizens to make a better world. They care about humanity and believe that everyone deserves the basic necessities of life and the opportunity to live a life that is fulfilling. Global citizens are not afraid to step outside their comfort zones and they believe in working with people of all backgrounds, religions and races to improve the world.
The term cosmopolitan has evolved from the ancient Greek word for citizen to mean someone who aligns with being a global citizen. The definition of a cosmopolitan has changed throughout the centuries, but it continues to be a term that is used to describe individuals who have a desire for exploration and understanding of other cultures in the world. It is a philosophy that promotes the belief that humans are connected, and it is a positive way to think about our interactions with one another. It is an alternative to the more common stereotype of a global citizen as someone who is wealthy, jet-setting around the world, and disconnected from other people’s daily struggles.