The citizenship responsibility is an important challenge for modern world regarding limited resources and environmental issues. The Iranian society benefits from several advantages of multi- cultural societies and mega cities like every other country. In Iran, we currently face problems of social integration, a lack of the sense of belonging in regions and neighbourhoods and a weakness of social participation in environmental problems in large cities. Thus, the question of meaning of citizenship responsibility, especially in relation to local governments and in times of increasing cultural diversity, has become more prevalent.

In this seminar, the concept of citizenship responsibility refers to addressing challenges of urban life such as huge energy consumption rate (4.4 times of the average rate of the world consumption), waste of more than 35 million tons food, but also avoiding tax payments and presenting an instrument for reforming lifestyles. Studies have highlighted large differences between individuals’ conscious about environmental problems and their daily damaging behaviour.

A closer analysis aims at gaining insights into selected social groups’ relation to citizenship responsibility along socio-economic status, religiosity and regional belonging. We will discuss questions such as: are rich people more accountable than poor people? Do religious books expressing the importance of individuals’ responsibility for one another and society support citizenship responsibility in general? Do communities and neighbourhoods with a strong feeling of belonging strengthen citizens’ participation and commitment?

No one is committed from birth. This characteristic evolves over time in the process of socialization and is based on human experiences, family education and environment. Accepting responsibility is key to the stability of the social system.