SED2601
Assignment 3
Semester 1
Due 2026
, QUESTION 1
1.1 Explanation of Key Concepts
1.1.1 Citizenship
Citizenship refers to the formal and legal relationship between an individual and a state.
It grants a person specific rights, such as the right to vote, access public services, and
receive legal protection, while also imposing responsibilities such as obeying the law
and paying taxes (Heywood, 2017).
Citizenship is not only a legal status but also a political and social identity. In democratic
societies, it includes participation in public life. For example, in South Africa, citizenship
entitles individuals to vote in national elections and to benefit from constitutional rights
such as equality and human dignity as guaranteed in the Constitution of the Republic of
South Africa (1996).
1.1.2 Citizen
A citizen is a person who is legally recognised as a member of a particular state. This
membership entitles the individual to civil, political, and social rights and requires them
to fulfil certain duties (Marshall, 1950).
For example, a South African citizen has the right to vote, access education, and
receive state protection. At the same time, the citizen is expected to obey laws, respect
the rights of others, and contribute to the development of the country.
1.1.3 Elitism
Elitism is the belief or system in which power and decision-making are concentrated in
the hands of a small, privileged group of people who are considered superior due to
wealth, education, or social status (Heywood, 2017).
In politics, elitism suggests that only a small group truly governs society, even in
democratic systems. For example, political elites such as senior politicians, business
Assignment 3
Semester 1
Due 2026
, QUESTION 1
1.1 Explanation of Key Concepts
1.1.1 Citizenship
Citizenship refers to the formal and legal relationship between an individual and a state.
It grants a person specific rights, such as the right to vote, access public services, and
receive legal protection, while also imposing responsibilities such as obeying the law
and paying taxes (Heywood, 2017).
Citizenship is not only a legal status but also a political and social identity. In democratic
societies, it includes participation in public life. For example, in South Africa, citizenship
entitles individuals to vote in national elections and to benefit from constitutional rights
such as equality and human dignity as guaranteed in the Constitution of the Republic of
South Africa (1996).
1.1.2 Citizen
A citizen is a person who is legally recognised as a member of a particular state. This
membership entitles the individual to civil, political, and social rights and requires them
to fulfil certain duties (Marshall, 1950).
For example, a South African citizen has the right to vote, access education, and
receive state protection. At the same time, the citizen is expected to obey laws, respect
the rights of others, and contribute to the development of the country.
1.1.3 Elitism
Elitism is the belief or system in which power and decision-making are concentrated in
the hands of a small, privileged group of people who are considered superior due to
wealth, education, or social status (Heywood, 2017).
In politics, elitism suggests that only a small group truly governs society, even in
democratic systems. For example, political elites such as senior politicians, business
