Constructing community to achieve citizenship using recognition theory, recovery, and citizenship as a reflective lens: Experiences from the United States and Scotland

Abstract

Declaration of Interest:The views in this publication are solely the responsibility of the authors. The Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains. FUNDINGThis project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 690954.Correspondence related to this manuscript should be sent to Ailsa Stewart: ailsa.e.stewart@strath.ac.uk Abstract:This paper explores the usefulness of recognition theory, recovery and citizenship in explaining constructions of community by adults who have experienced life disruptions participating in similar Citizenship programs in the US and Scotland. A content analysis of secondary data was undertaken and focus groups held with recent graduates of both programs. The findings indicate that constructions of community aligned significantly with aspects of identity and common experience rather than location. Moving towards an identity framed by assets rather than deficits, was further identified, which reflects the need for recognition to be extended by communities that are well informed and non-discriminatory in their attitudes towards those with life disruptions to promote inclusion and connectedness.Interventions at the level of community development and engagement are therefore crucial in promoting inclusion and increasing citizenship for marginalized groups; alongside the role of social movements and public policy in tackling stigma and discriminatory attitudes.Uniquely, within this project, a theoretical framework that combined elements of recognition theory, recovery and citizenship emerged that best explained the experience of those with life disruptions and provided direction for a future focus on community development as well as recovery and citizenship oriented practice.

Citizens defining citizenship: A model grounded in lived experience and its implications for research, policy and practice

“…Analysis of our data suggests that belonging and participation are inextricably linked and that people are less likely to participate if they are made to feel like an outsider. Hamer et al (2017) and Stewart et al (2017) argue that social integration and a greater sense of belonging are untenable without a willingness of the broader community to ‘see a likeness in someone’. We were struck by the powerful testimonies of participants who gave examples of times when they felt the wider community had blocked their citizenship journeys by refusing to accept them or give them a second chance.…”

What’s citizenship got to do with mental health? Rationale for inclusion of citizenship as part of a mental health strategy

“…Eiroa-Orosa and Rowe (2017) argue that bottom-up (service-user-led) and top-down change (administrator-led) is also required to affect the cultural shift proposed here. In addition, people with lived experience of MHPs and other life-disrupting events must continue to be involved in the development of citizenship measures (MacIntyre et al , 2019) and in training, education and facilitation of citizenship programmes (Stewart et al , 2017).…”

Service User Experiences of How Flexible Assertive Community Treatment May Support or Inhibit Citizenship: A Qualitative Study

“…Regaining citizenship requires the person's own efforts as well as the society's ability to provide access to citizenship (Rowe et al, 2001 ), and a sense of belonging depends on the recognition of the individual by society. Consequently, services working to support citizenship will not only see it as their task to support the efforts of the individual and his or her immediate environment, but also to reduce barriers to citizenship in the community and society at large (Stewart et al, 2017 ).…”