Semi-Citizenship in Democratic Politics

'Tackling the complex realm of 'in between' status positions, Semi-Citizenship in Democratic Politics provides an original and compelling framework for understanding different types of partial citizenship. Cohen provides much-needed clarity to normative debates in political theory over inclusion and exclusion and her rigorous analysis is sure to be of great use to empirically-oriented social scientists.' Leonard Feldman, Hunter College, City University of New York
'Liberal democrats often argue that full citizenship should be an option for all long-term residents. In this provocative book, Elizabeth Cohen argues that semi-citizens will always be with us, and that there are sometimes good reasons for states to create citizenship categories between full membership and total exclusion. Cohen offers a typology of semi-citizen statuses, and argues that alternatives to full inclusion may furnish sought-after opportunities and mutually beneficial flexibility as well as threats of vulnerability. A useful addition to the burgeoning literature on migration and membership.' Stephen Macedo, Princeton University
'Elizabeth Cohen has produced a ground-breaking theory of citizenship that challenges and ultimately rejects older treatments of the concept. Her meticulously done study expands our understanding of differing levels of citizenship and how these adversely impact certain groups. Cohen's book represents a major contribution to political theory and migration studies.' Carol Swain, Vanderbilt University
'In this cogently argued and carefully written work, Elizabeth F. Cohen explores how modern citizenship as a system of entitlements inevitably creates fuzzy and ambiguous bounders around inclusion and exclusion. Cohen generates a new vocabulary to throw sharp analytical light on these conundrums. A work of considerable intellectual maturity, it offers an innovative framework for examining the necessary compromises of liberal democracy around the uncertainties of modern political membership via the legal framework of citizenship. The result is a creative and productive work on the contemporary inadequacies of both the theory and the institutions of citizenship.' Bryan S. Turner, Wellesley College