Citizenship and identity

In a globalising world, the meaning of the word citizenship is dynamic. Nations have become less important. Yet despite this most Europeans, for example, do not feel that they are European citizens.

Although it would appear to be paradoxical, globalisation processes go hand in hand with a need to define personal identity. Culture plays a key role here. The renewed interest in regional customs and dialects is one such expression of this. Yet at the same time the arrival of new groups has called into question the singularity of the culture of 'old' groups. The increasingly stronger call in the Netherlands and in Europe for 'integration' immediately raises the question as to what the society and/or culture is that outsiders must become an integral part of.