Identity politics

Identity politics is the politics of group-based movements representing the interests and identity of a particular oppressed group within a society, rather than policy issues relating to the society as a whole. In this way the identification by the group members ("my people," etc.) gives rise to a political basis around which they unite.

A group identity can be based on race, ethnicity, sex, religion, caste, sexual orientation, or even physical disability. Some may blend certain amounts of social class analysis and class consciousness into their beliefs (e.g., the Black Panther Party), but by and large, identity politics is established by identification with surface and "bloodline" characteristics only.

The group identity will deal with and seek to alleviate injustices associated with real or perceived oppression against them based on that identity. This may involve low-level social and legislative reform like affirmative action with the goal that people within the group can achieve equality. It can also involve a separatist approach. Particular focus in any form of identity politics is on the contrast between the social, political and occupational privilege of the dominant group(s) as compared to the discrimination faced by the oppressed group.

Forms of identity politics

Ethnic nationalism may be regarded as a form of identity politics within the wider international community. Examples of identity politics within societies include, but are not limited to:

• Black nationalism
• Irish nationalism
• Hispanic nationalism

• Black separatism
• White separatism
• Black supremacy
• White supremacy

• Feminism
• Gay rights
• Masculism
• Racism

• Zionism
• Christian fundamentalism
• Islamic fundamentalism
• Disability rights

External links

• Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy entry

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