Protection for Citizens

Abstract

Education develops the abilities of citizens, and productive work gives them the resources, to live as effective members of inclusive communities. However, the pur suit of common values can be undermined by a wide range of factors. To enable citizens to defend themselves against these threats and dangers, citizenship must incorporate a system of protection for ail. Such a system needs to be based on a common identification of the factors from which we are to be protected. In an individualist model, there are only Personal interests. People may bargain about the possible gains and concessions inherent in the varying threats and opportunities relating to their interests, but they cannot work towards a common recognition of what the dangers are for ail of them. What results is a series of protective arrangements that would favour those in a stronger position to drive a harder bargain. This may range from the deployment of policing resources to protect the wealthiest, to health initiatives which address the anxiety of the well-off, rather than the sufferings of those too poor to pay towards any system of health care.