Citizenship and adult protection in the UK: an exploration of the conceptual links

Abstract

Purpose

This article seeks to consider the links between emerging concepts of citizenship in the twenty‐first century and the legitimization of this agenda by providing an overview of UK policy as it relates to adult protection as well as consideration of concepts of citizenship and the links between the two areas.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides an overview of adult protection in the UK and then takes the reader through concepts of vulnerability and citizenship and considers the implications of these concepts on the citizenship of those most likely to be subject to adult protection procedures in the UK.

Findings

This article shows how models of citizenship have altered over time to reflect societal norms and customs and in particular how this paradigm shift has legitimized intervention in the lives of adults. It further highlights the likely impact of adult protection procedures on the citizenship rights of those most likely to experience them.

Originality/value

The paper brings together conceptual discourses on citizenship and adult protection.

Citation

Stewart, A. and Atkinson, J. (2012), "Citizenship and adult protection in the UK: an exploration of the conceptual links", The Journal of Adult Protection, Vol. 14 No. 4, pp. 163-175. https://doi.org/10.1108/14668201211256627