|
|
Article: Citizenship Challenges for South Africa's Young Democracy.
- Article from:
- Daedalus
- Article date:
- January 1, 2001
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2001 American Academy of Arts and Sciences. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
INTRODUCTION
THE IDEA OF CITIZENSHIP is at the heart of democratic political systems. It embodies the rights and responsibilities of those living under the rule of law. Political systems can be measured by the extent to which citizens exercise their rights and responsibilities and hold their leaders accountable for upholding the core values of their society. This essay explores the complexities of defining citizenship and identifying the core values underpinning it in South Africa today-a society that has experienced a uniquely difficult transition from authoritarianism to democracy.
Citizenship is a dynamic phenomenon. Dipankar Gupta, quoting T. H. ...