Citizenship, nationality and ethnic minorities in three European nations

In this paper we look at the question of citizenship in democratic society by an examination of the treatment of 'ethnic minorities' in the United Kingdom, France and Germany. Through a consideration of both their rights of entry and as residents we can observe the different implications to be derived from different national definitions of citizenship and its relation to ethnicity. We derive our conception of citizenship from the work of Marshall and the definition of ethnic group as used by Weber. The international comparisons are conducted using a methodology of two by two comparisons derived from the work de De Rudder. Having made the comparisons we go on to discuss some of the European implications of the different national approaches and the subsequent situation of their ethnic minority groups. In our conclusions we look at the implications of our findings to the moves towards greater European Union.