We explain what a citizen is, how they can intervene to improve their community and what their general characteristics are.
A good citizen must assume responsibilities and obligations in his community.
What is a good citizen?
A citizen is every active member of a State, which is part of a society and has rights and obligations. This term is usually used to refer to someone who was born or lives a certain time ago in a territory.
An individual is considered a good citizen when works to achieve the group’s objectives with a view to social peace and harmony. A person who is involved with the community in the social, economic or political sphere, fulfils his or her obligations, assumes responsibilities and respects the rights of others.
The word “citizen” comes from the term “city”, to which is added the suffix -ano, which means belonging. This concept emerged in ancient Greece (although it did not include all the inhabitants, but rather the men born in the polis) and it mutated according to the different societies and historical periods.
During the French Revolution (1789) the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, which established a notion more closely related to the current concept of citizenship, although it still deprived some sectors of basic rights (such as women, who were not granted the right to vote until the 20th century).
Characteristics of a good citizen
Getting involved in community decisions is a form of participation.
Some of the main characteristics of a good citizen are:
- Build an identityCitizenship is built in a specific place and society. Therefore, to be a good citizen, it is necessary to know the history of that place. Knowing the geographical location, the cultural and natural riches of the place, its strengths and weaknesses helps to form the identity of the citizen.
- It is informedA good citizen must be informed about current events in his or her community, both politically and economically, socially and culturally, in order to be able to act and make decisions based on data.
- Has critical thinkingA good citizen informs himself and then analyzes that information, demanding evidence and arguments. He formulates his own opinions and makes decisions thinking not only of personal benefit but also of the community.
- ParticipatesCritically analyzed information allows individuals to act on that knowledge. Participation can take many forms, from sharing information to getting involved in community decisions. There are many ways to participate in every place, both in government agencies and in smaller, private settings such as schools, businesses, organizations, and others.
- Work for the public good. Ethics allows us to identify the values recognized by the community that contribute to the common good. The law is the official tool that each community has to define what is against its values. Therefore, a good citizen adheres to the law.
- Respect diversityA good citizen respects the diverse beliefs and religions, sexual orientations, political ideologies and customs that exist in society. In addition, interaction with people who have different opinions and points of view enriches the citizen’s vision and strengthens his critical attitude.
- Respect human rightsA good citizen respects and safeguards the freedoms, rights and demands that correspond to all human beings, regardless of their age, sex, religion or any other characteristic or situation.
- Respect the environment. A good citizen takes care of the environment in which he lives and can be part of specific organizations that defend the environment and animal rights. He can also carry out daily actions, such as waste treatment or saving water and energy, which contribute to the maintenance of a clean and balanced ecosystem. A good citizen not only limits himself to carrying out these actions for himself, but also encourages them in his community.
- Reject violence. Citizenship is built on a context of legality, so all the actions of a good citizen are carried out peacefully. Good citizens find a way to participate in the community and demand necessary changes from government agencies without using violence. Furthermore, a good citizen rejects the violence exercised by others, by denouncing the cases that he witnesses.
- CooperateA good citizen works in a context of cooperation with his fellow citizens and does not limit himself to simple individual actions. Cooperation with other citizens makes it possible to achieve significant changes for the entire community.
How to be a good citizen?
A good citizen encourages good actions in his community.
Some ways to contribute to the development of a harmonious society are:
- Comply with regulations or laws.
- Take care of space and public goods.
- Do not pollute the environment.
- Respect the traffic rules.
- Set an example for other citizens.
- Respect others and be kind.
- Respect the goods and properties of others.
- Avoid violence.
- Generate work.
- Collaborate with the campaigns or needs of the rest of the neighbors.
- Respect the opinions and points of view of others.
- Participate in assemblies or neighborhood meetings.
- Pay taxes and obligations.
- Respect social norms and behaviors.
- Cooperate in the pursuit of common goals.
- Promote local commerce and activities.
- Donate blood.
- Respect national symbols and those of other nations.
- Vote responsibly in elections.
- Save energy, water and other natural resources.
- Promote social inclusion.
- Recycle waste.
- Do not vandalize public space.
- Learn about community issues.
- Be responsible with the commitments made.
- Do not discriminate against others.
- Act with justice.
- Putting skills or talents at the service of the community.
- Act honestly.
- Express your own opinions and ideas.
It may help you: Social norms