FULLY HUMAN

Citizenship within our current international system signifies being fully human, but for some vulnerable groups, this form of political membership is limited or missing entirely. Lindsey N. Kingston proposes the ideal of functioning citizenship, which requires an active and mutually-beneficial relationship between the state and the individual and necessitates the opening of political space for those who cannot be neatly categorized. Fully Human builds its theory by looking at several hierarchies of personhood, challenging the binary between citizen and noncitizen, and envisioning a path toward the realization of human rights norms founded on universality and inalienability.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 16 December 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Citizenship within our current international system holds immense significance, as it signifies being fully human and deserving of fundamental human rights. However, for certain vulnerable groups, this form of political membership is limited or entirely absent, leading to human rights challenges despite the existence of international human rights law. These protection gaps are central to hierarchies of personhood, perpetuating inequalities that render some individuals more worthy of protections and political membership than others. To address this issue, Lindsey N. Kingston proposes the ideal of functioning citizenship, which entails an active and mutually beneficial relationship between the state and the individual, as well as the creation of political space for those who cannot be neatly categorized.

Functioning citizenship signifies membership in a political community, where citizens support their government while enjoying the privileges and services associated with their privileged legal status. It recognizes that political membership cannot always be confined by state borders or determined solely by possession of a passport. Fully Human, a groundbreaking theory, builds its foundation by examining various hierarchies of personhood, ranging from statelessness to forced displacement, migration, nomadic peoples, Indigenous nations, and second-class citizens in the United States. It challenges the binary between citizen and non-citizen, arguing that rights are routinely violated in the space between these two categories. By acknowledging these realities, we uncover the limitations of our current international system, while also beginning to envision a path toward the realization of human rights norms founded on universality and inalienability.

The ideal of functioning citizenship acknowledges the persistent power of the state, while also recognizing the importance of individual agency and empowerment. It requires the state to provide essential services, such as education, healthcare, and social welfare, while also ensuring the protection and promotion of human rights. At the same time, it encourages individuals to actively participate in the political process, engage in civil society.

Functioning citizenship is not a static concept, but rather a dynamic and evolving framework that responds to the changing needs and circumstances of different communities. It recognizes that human rights are universal and inalienable, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender, religion, or any other characteristic. It seeks to bridge the gap between the state and the individual, promoting a sense of belonging and social cohesion while also addressing the root.

In conclusion, functioning citizenship is a crucial concept that recognizes the inherent dignity and worth of all individuals, regardless of their social, economic, or political status. It seeks to create a world where human rights are universally respected and protected, and where all individuals can live in freedom, dignity, and equality. By promoting the ideal of functioning citizenship, we can work towards a more just and inclusive global community where the rights and well-being of all people are prioritized.

Weight: 450g
Dimension: 155 x 235 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197674840