Tension Between Capitalism And Citizenship Analysis

T.H. Marshall was a British sociologist that believed in the idea that citizenship could lead to equality. However, he also believed that capitalism lead to inequality. This analysis will seek to explain the tension between citizenship and capitalism through the eyes of Marshall. First one will need to have an understanding of Marshall’s definition of citizenship. Second one will have to gain an understanding of why Marshall believes that capitalism leads to inequality. Ultimately, there is tension among capitalism and citizenship because capitalism creates individualism that leads to a society where everyone must fend for himself or herself whether one is poor or rich. Also, there is tension because citizenship relies on the notion that all …show more content…
The reason for this because in the eyes of Marshall social rights provide on access to some level of economic welfare. In a capitalist society one is guaranteed the ability to pursue economic success but it does not guarantee it. One may say that it is impossible to guarantee economic prosperity in any political system. However, even though in a capitalistic society one is guaranteed certain civil rights these rights do not always lead to social rights. The reason for this is because in a capitalist society one is an individual will the right to pursue one’s goals. However, individuality also means that one is guaranteed to receive the best education or a security net. Due to the individuality one receives in a capitalist society social classes are created where some have access to a proper education and some do not. Those who succeed economically on their own have access to the best resources and those that do not succeed economically do not have access to education or a security net. The reason for this is because in a capitalist society one must fend for himself/herself. Capitalism creates barriers that can be brought down through the advancement of civil rights, but even when those barriers are brought down they do not solve the issue of social rights. This is due to class structure that cannot be solved through civil rights. One can be …show more content…
One can have citizenship in a capitalist state that will come with certain civil and political rights. However, having civil and political rights are of no use if one does not have social rights which enable one to fully use their civil and political rights. Not having social rights means that based on one’s class one can have access to a mediocre education while others may have access to a exceptional education. The reason why this can exist is because in a capitalist society everyone must fend for himself or herself and those that do not gain access into a high social class cannot benefit like those that do gain access. Those with access to a mediocre education do not fully understand how to exhibit their rights and ultimately have very little economic and physical security in