Identity politics

(identity)

Identity politics describes activity undertaken by social movements to represent the interests of distinctive groups in society. The members of these groups share and unite around common experiences of injustice or discrimination. Identity tends to be used symbolically to unite groups and lead to political action. The groups argue that they are socially or politically excluded, marginalised or disadvantaged in comparison to the wider society of which they are part. Identity-based movements seek to achieve better social and political outcomes for the members of such groups.

Distinctive forms of identity that have been mobilised successfully into political action and social movements in Australia include gender, sexuality, race, religion, ethnicity and disability. Discussions and negotiations over identity are an important element of social movement activism. Notions of identity are articulated by movements in terms of pride in that identity. Action is underpinned by group assertion of the value of the participants and their uniqueness in terms of developing and sharing a particular identity. For many groups, the development of this collective identity is a major priority of activism and political expression.

For example, disability has emerged as an area of identity politics in which arguments are presented for equal opportunities in the workplace and in public life for people with disabilities. Disability activists have found it important to use identity politics to shift disability from being treated purely as a medical issue to being seen as an issue that affects society more generally.