S05 E08: The Individual & The State – Unpacking Rights, Obligations, and Citizenship with Andrew Heywood

Join us on CSS Breakdown: Book by Book, Season 05, Episode 08, as we delve into Chapter 8 of Andrew Heywood's Political Theory: An Introduction: 'Rights, Obligations and Citizenship'. This episode explores the intricate and often debated concepts that define the individual’s place within the political community. We begin by examining the evolving understanding of rights, distinguishing between legal rights (like those enforceable through courts and categorized by Hohfeld) and moral rights (which exist as philosophical claims). We trace the development of human rights from early modern natural rights theories, discussing their universal and fundamental nature, and the controversies surrounding who counts as ‘human’ and the scope of these entitlements. We also explore challenges to the universality of human rights, such as the concept of Asian values, and the specific arguments for women's rights and even animal rights.

Next, we pivot to obligations, clarifying the distinction between being coerced and having a moral duty. We investigate the origins of political obligation, especially through classic social contract theories advanced by thinkers like Plato, Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, each offering a distinct view on the citizen's duty to the state. We also consider alternatives to contractarianism, such as theories of natural duty, particularly favored by conservative and socialist perspectives. The discussion concludes by exploring the crucial question of when the limits of political obligation are reached, leading to the right of rebellion.

Finally, the episode dissects citizenship, defining it as a relationship of reciprocal rights and obligations between the individual and the state. We explore the elements of citizenship, including its legal and psychological dimensions, and delve into T.H. Marshall’s influential categorization of civil, political, and social rights. The episode highlights competing models, contrasting social citizenship (emphasizing equality and welfare) with active citizenship (stressing self-reliance, duty, and responsibility), a concept championed by the New Right. We conclude by examining the challenges to universal citizenship in diverse societies, discussing concepts like differentiated citizenship and minority rights, and the ongoing debates they ignite.