Citizenship in Action: Making a Political Difference
Welcome! In this chapter, we are going to look at how you as a citizen can actually make a difference in the world of politics. We have already studied how governments work and what human rights are, but now we ask: "How do people change the system when it isn't working?"
This chapter is all about political change. Whether it is through a massive global campaign or a small local protest, citizenship in action is about moving from "knowing" to "doing."
1. What is a Global Citizen?
Before we look at the actions, we need to understand the person taking them. The syllabus uses a specific definition from Oxfam. According to them, a global citizen is someone who:
- Is aware of the wider world and their own role in it.
- Respects and values diversity.
- Has an understanding of how the world works.
- Is outraged by social injustice.
- Participates in communities at all levels (local to global).
- Is willing to act to make the world more equitable and sustainable.
- Takes responsibility for their actions.
Key Concept: Governance vs. Government
Don't get these mixed up! Government refers to the specific people and institutions that run a country (like Parliament). Governance is a broader term. It includes governments, but also citizens, businesses, and charities. It’s the whole "system" of how a society is managed.
Quick Review: Being a citizen isn't just about having a passport; it's about participating in the governance of your community.
2. Methods of Citizenship Action
How do people actually create change? There isn't just one way. Depending on the goal, citizens might use different methods:
A. Individual Action
This is when you act alone. Examples include writing a letter to your political representative (like an MP), signing a petition, or making an ethical choice.
B. Collective Action
This is when people work together in groups. This is often more powerful because "strength in numbers" can force leaders to listen.
C. Mass and Social Movements
These are large-scale organized groups that want to achieve a specific social or political goal. Think of movements for civil rights or climate change. They often use many different tactics over a long period.
D. Consumer Action
You can "vote with your wallet." This means choosing to buy products from companies that treat workers fairly (like Fairtrade products) or boycotting (refusing to buy) from companies that do things you disagree with.
E. Social Action and Social Enterprise
Sometimes, instead of asking the government to fix a problem, citizens do it themselves. A social enterprise is a business that is set up to create a social benefit rather than just making a profit for owners.
Top Tip: In your exam, if you are asked how to influence a target audience, remember that "persuasion" and "negotiation" are just as important as "protest"!
3. Campaigning and Education
Political change often starts with two things: Campaigning and Education.
Campaigning for Change
Campaigning is an organized effort to influence decisions. This might involve:
- Lobbying: Meeting with politicians to persuade them to change a law.
- Awareness Raising: Using social media or events to tell people about an issue.
- Direct Action: Protests or marches.
The syllabus mentions two famous examples of organizations that do this: Amnesty International (which campaigns for human rights) and the Red Cross (which provides neutral help during conflicts and disasters).
Education about Global Issues
Change is hard if people don't understand the problem. Educational projects aim to teach the public about things like human rights violations, the impact of climate change, or how the law works. If people are informed, they are more likely to take action.
Key Takeaway: You cannot have effective political change without informed citizens. This is why many NGOs focus heavily on education.
4. The Role of Political Parties and Elections
If you want to change the law, you usually have to engage with the political system. This involves two main areas:
Philosophical Differences
Different political parties have different "philosophies" (sets of beliefs). For example:
- One party might believe the government should tax more to provide better healthcare.
- Another party might believe taxes should be low to help businesses grow.
Citizens must understand these differences to decide which party will help them achieve the change they want.
Electoral Processes and Systems
This is the "how" of politics. Citizens take action by participating in elections (voting for representatives) and referendums (voting on a specific law or issue). Understanding how your local or national voting system works is a vital part of citizenship action.
5. Why Action Sometimes Fails
It’s important to be realistic: not every campaign works. Part of being a Global Citizen is evaluating why things didn't go as planned. Action might fail because:
- Lack of Resources: Not enough money or people to keep the campaign going.
- Opposition: Powerful groups or governments might actively work against the change.
- Poor Planning: The goals weren't clear, or the method used didn't reach the right people.
- Legal Obstacles: Sometimes the law is set up in a way that makes change very slow or difficult.
Don't worry if this seems a bit negative! Learning why a project failed is a key part of your "Citizenship Community Action Project" (Section A of your exam). It helps you do better next time.
Summary: The "Action" Checklist
To make a difference in politics, a citizen needs to:
- Identify the issue (What is wrong?).
- Research the facts (Who has the power to change it?).
- Plan the method (Individual? Collective? Consumer action?).
- Communicate the message (Campaigning and education).
- Evaluate the impact (Did it work? Why or why not?).
Cross-Reference: For more on the different types of governments citizens might be trying to influence, see the chapter on "Systems of Government." For the rules citizens must follow, see "International Law."