Original scientific paper
What Does it Mean to be a Citizen Today?
Henning Ottmann
; Geschwister Scholl Institute, University of München, Münche, Germany
Abstract
The author's definition of a citizen is based on B. Barber's book
Strong Democracy {1984). The ideal citizenship is closely linked to the
concept of democracy. In liberal democracy ("thin democracy'') civic
apathy and apolity prevails, so it is necessary to aim at "strong
democracy". Strong democracy is the one that has strong citizenry, i.e.
self-governed citizens who actively participate in politics. This does not
mean that representative democracy is to be relinquished; it is to be
revived througb the mutual cooperation of citizens. The civic virtue
would be represented by ''civility'' marked by "empathy, respect and
neighbourhood". ln the revival of bourgeois democracy, particular
attention is being paid to the new means of communications. The
weaknesses of Barber's concept are, according to the author, equating
citizens with neighbours, overemphasizing civic activity and putting too
much confidence in latest technology (tele-voting). The concept of
neighbourhood is civically too narrow, the activist mobilization may
pose a danger while the political confidence in new technologies is
dubious.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
110807
URI
Publication date:
1.2.1995.
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