Trends Towards Particularism in Citizenship Policies in Europe

Abstract

Citizenship policies tend to become increasingly particularistic, treating different groups of potential citizens in very different ways. While some particularisms are long-standing, such as special rules for spouses in naturalization policies, other particularistic approaches have been introduced or have diffused recently, such as a special treatment of refugees or offering citizenship to investors. Such norms stratify further the chances to migrate and to settle, according to class, ethnic origin, juridical status, and other dimensions. The present panel brings together comparative researches on these understudied issues, and aims to integrate and push further the field of citizenship legislation research.