Evolution of Citizenship and the Construction of a Welfare State—The Connotation and Practical Significance of T.H. Marshall’s Citizenship Theory

Based on T.H. Marshall's theory of citizenship, this paper analyzes the core role of the three-stage model (civil, political, and social rights) in the welfare state, and the importance of social rights in the realization of social equality and social integration. By tracing the historical background and theoretical connotation development process of citizenship theory, it reveals its contribution to the legitimacy of the welfare state, and discusses the popularization and fairness of citizenship in combination with the current situation of China's social security system, under the background of globalization. Despite the remarkable academic and practical value of Marshall's theory, its universal assumption has limitations in developing countries with limited resources. In the reform of welfare system, China needs to combine its national conditions, promote the precise implementation of social rights, narrow the gap between urban and rural areas and regions, and explore a more adaptive and sustainable path to realize social rights under the dual background of globalization and digitalization, so as to lay a solid foundation for realizing social equity and social harmony.