Elaborating the Associative Theory

In the preceding chapter I began to sketch in broad and general terms the key components of an associative understanding of political obligation. Such an understanding centres on what it is to be a member of a polity and how being a member of a polity, like being a member of a family, involves corresponding obligations of membership. I also sought to show that although the very idea of associative obligations, and in particular the idea of associative political obligations, has been subject to extensive criticism, these criticisms are less damaging than their advocates maintain. So far, however, beyond these generalities about membership, little has been said to give real substance to the account of associative political obligations. That is the task of this chapter.