Date of Award
5-2010
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Political Science
First Advisor
Dr. Priscilla Lambert
Second Advisor
Dr. Gunther Hega
Third Advisor
Dr. Sybil Rhodes
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
This paper examines citizenship policy in Japan, Germany and Sweden in an attempt to explain why some rich, democratic nations have high rates of naturalization and non-restrictive paths to citizenship, while others have negligible rates of naturalization and very restrictive policies. Japan has a very restrictive policy while Sweden has a very open policy. Germany is a mid-level case that has moved from more restrictive to less restrictive over the last several years. In this paper I look at the explanatory potential of internal, institutional, and external variables. I use data from the W orId Values Survey to compare domestic attitudes. I look at constitutional provisions and the structure of judicial systems to compare institutional factors. I then compare regional integration and security concerns as external pressures. I conclude that cultural attitudes seem to follow, rather than precipitate, policy change, while the institutional and external factors are more promising as explanatory factors for variance in citizenship regimes.
Recommended Citation
Lecea, Marisha L., "Paths to Citizenship: A Comparative Study of Japan, Germany and Sweden" (2010). Masters Theses. 320.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/320