Beyond ‘Good Citizenship’? Everyday Perceptions of Citizenship in the Midst of Brexit

This paper explores everyday perceptions of ‘good citizenship’ using original interview data in the United Kingdom (UK). The post-Brexit referendum period has become one of the most challenging in terms of practicing citizenship in the UK. Important distinctions are emerging along regional and national default lines among British citizens, while European Union (EU) residents are the targets of openly nationalistic and xenophobic discourses. Even though the very core of citizenship – community building processes (of inclusion/exclusion) and cumulative dimensions of identity, rights and participation – is under constant pressure and has been recognised as requiring urgent attention by policy makers and academics, we know very little about everyday perceptions of this issue. Using original semi-structured interview data with British citizens and EU residents, this paper explores their ‘everyday’ perceptions, especially their consideration of the difficulties and opportunities associated with the grasping and practicing of ‘good citizenship’ at a particularly turbulent time. The paper illustrates, in-depth, interviewees’ anticipations, experiences and the changes in their everyday practices and notions of citizenship. Ultimately, the paper asks what interviewees identify most appropriate responses to resolving current developments – be it about the promotion of ‘good’ or ‘exclusive’ citizenship.