Citizen Duties Defined Part 4: What Do the Psychologists Say?

One group I wasn’t expecting to have very many opinions on citizenship was psychologists. However, looking up what is a good citizen brings up several sources that support/cater to folks in the psychology field. What do psychologist think a ‘good citizen’ needs to do?

The first article that had something to say about a psychologist view of good citizenship, comes from EdPsycInteractive.org. The article Definition of a Good Citizen only gives the definition of a citizen, presumably from a psychologist perspective.

Thoughts:

As has been typical of the information I’ve found on this topic so far, this again focuses on characteristics versus listing out actions to carry out or duties one is responsible for completing.

What’s most interesting to me though, is the focus outside of the state or nation, which has so far been the only group discussed. This article makes it clear that citizenship can be applied to inhabitants of particular communities as well as the world (i.e., world citizen).

Here are some outstanding questions I have based on this article.

1. If I’m to obey laws, how does international law interact with or conflict with my home nations laws?
2. If I’m a member of multiple “communities” how much volunteering is expected? Do I have o volunteer in every community I’m a member of? is it sufficient to focus all or most of my time and/or resources to one specific community?
3. Should my final list be aimed at being a:
   • World citizen over that of an individual nation?
   • US/National citizen
   • Citizen of the various communities one is a part of? (Gender, Race, Tribe, Neighborhood, Political views, other?)
   • All of the above? If so, which takes preference?

While this article doesn’t necessarily add any items to my list, it certainly provides some context to a number of those duties already listed.

The second source I found with an excellent take on the question of citizen duties is Psychnewsdaily. The article, titled Traits of a Good Citizen is the first source I’ve found that lists out specific duties and actions of a good citizen. Yes, this article starts with a list of ‘traits’, but if you actually look at the eight items listed, the traits are really actions in disguise.

Here’s what they have to say about a citizens required duties.

Now this is exactly the kind of thing I’m looking for!

Thoughts and Questions:

• First and foremost, a “good citizen” is someone who does what’s in their power to stay maximally informed: Define ‘maximally’. How informed must a person be? Who can tell you if you are informed ‘enough’.
• Someone who actively engages with others: Define engage. What counts? Is it enough for me to say hello while walking past someone in the street? Define “others”? Is this anyone other than myself? Does my wife count? Or my friends? Do they have to be strangers? Do they have to be “outsiders?”
• A “good citizen” actively works to meet the needs of others, both their private and public sector counterparts: Again, define “others”?
• People who are good citizens are thankful for the opportunities they have, educate themselves about complex issues, and vote to make the government do what’s necessary for the good of society — not solely for themselves: Is it possible to educate yourself? Where is the limit placed on my ability to self-inform? How much is the media, schools, gov’t or political parties responsible for my learning?
• Being a good citizen means being responsible: This is nebulous? Responsible for what? Responsible how? In what ways?
• The traits of a good citizen include giving back and helping others: Is there an expected amount I must or should be giving back? in dollars? In time? In some other way? How does one quantify giving back? Who am I giving back to?
• Ensuring that your government takes care of and protects its citizens: meaning you, your family, and your community: Again, define community. If this is the duty of a citizen, does that make Flynt Michigan all of our responsibilities?
• It means being proactive, being responsible, and sacrificing for the greater good: What am I sacrificing? What is the greater good? Must I proactively sacrifice, or simply do so when ‘called upon’?
• Obeying the law of the land: Obedience to the law may involve a variety of regulations such as speed limits, taxes, drug laws, public safety laws, and zoning ordinances. What if the law says you must be a slave? What if it says you must stone anyone who doesn’t go to church on Sunday? What if it says, you must beat your wife if she doesn’t do as you say, when you say?
• Participating in community meetings:
• Participate in public hearings
• Speak out on public issues
• Volunteering their time:
• Voting: I’m assuming simply registering to vote isn’t enough. One must actually vote, no? Or do we mean here, work to help register others to vote?
• Register to vote: I would change this to vote. Registering without voting is useless. I would add, “in every election where you’re eligible”. Is missing one election disqualifying you from good citizenship? What kind of excuses are enough to forgive missing a vote? Is only voting in the presidential elections and skipping the off-year elections forgivable?
• Be willing to serve on a jury
• Participate in public life:
• Recycling, supporting businesses with sustainable products, and using less energy:
• Uphold the idea that all people are equal and should not be discriminated against
• A good citizen remembers that they can be a leader and can help make decisions about what is right
• Help others in need: Do these people have to be in my community? Must they be outside of my community? How much help is enough?
• Abstain from crime
• Enlist in the armed forces when needed: Is it a requirement, or just a good thing to do, to join? Should, or must one serve without being called on? Does this include all citizens, i.e. women?
• Respect the private property of others: What does this mean?
• Help maintain public spaces: What does this mean?
• Guard against fascism and totalitarianism: Why? Why is this a duty of mine? Is this a uniquely “American” duty? How do I do this? What is the limit of my responsibility here?
• Respect the rights of others: How does one “actively” do this in an objective, measurable way?
• Support community organizations: Define community? How many “communities” are you a part of? More than 1? How many organizations?
• Support charities: Is giving money enough? Is time just as good as money? What other ways can you support outside of giving money and volunteering time?
• Support local organizations: Define Local? Again, How many
• Participate in the political process: What does ‘participate’ mean? Run for office? Donate to a party or candidate? Work on a campaign?
• Be a peacemaker:
• Contribute to more than one interest group: Finally! A minimum number. Do I get extra credit for 5? 10?

This article does a fairly good job of providing a list of what one must do, even if it starts with a list of traits. My biggest problem is that more than half of these are not easily quantified or cannot be quantified. What is the minimum I’m expected to do? What is the amount to be considered ‘sufficiently good’ to classify a ‘good’ citizen? How much is enough? Also, not nearly enough specifics for my tastes. Who am I helping? Does who even matter?

My list is getting much bigger. So big in fact, that it needs some categories to group the duties by. Here’s (v 004) of Citizens List of Duties.

Let’s look at what states have to say.

Photo by Sigmund on Unsplash