Starship Troopers (the book) was above all a Heinlein's manifesto on how a "worthy" society would look like - so at least the motto "service guarantees citizenship" is kind of true to the book. But it goes deeper than that - Civilians are not inferior to Citizens - there are advantages and disadvantages to both and is foremost a free choice anybody can make according to their own beliefs and agency.
Another Heinlein's book is also very interesting: The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress. It also explores freedom and liberty and is very thought-provoking if you care to forgive its cheesy early sci-fi setting.
Johnny Rico's dad is a civilian, and he's a very successful businessman. The only difference between civilians and citizens is the right to vote. Although some occupations, like police officer, tend to favor hiring candidates who are citiizens.
Starship Troopers (the book) was above all a Heinlein's manifesto on how a "worthy" society would look like - so at least the motto "service guarantees citizenship" is kind of true to the book. But it goes deeper than that - Civilians are not inferior to Citizens - there are advantages and disadvantages to both and is foremost a free choice anybody can make according to their own beliefs and agency.
Another Heinlein's book is also very interesting: The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress. It also explores freedom and liberty and is very thought-provoking if you care to forgive its cheesy early sci-fi setting.
Johnny Rico's dad is a civilian, and he's a very successful businessman. The only difference between civilians and citizens is the right to vote. Although some occupations, like police officer, tend to favor hiring candidates who are citiizens.