Identity Politics are the political arguments that focus on the interest and perspectives of the groups with which people identify. Therefore, this can be a way of shaping aspects of people's identity by relating to a social organization. Social organizations of this kind can be based on race, gender, religious beliefs, culture, sexual orientation etc. This has traditionally been considered as liberating to social groupings that are often at a disadvantage and introduce social change, however, more recently, belief has grown that identity politics can become an oppressive force.
Identity Politics is commonly seen as a liberating idea that can free social organizations from oppression, a positive example of this is feminism, which has for the most part, brought about gender equality in the 21st Century. For example, First-wave feminism in the 19th and 20th focused upon and succeeded in gaining the right to vote for women, which did not disadvantage men, but liberated women as equals. Second-wave feminism was based on bringing other aspects of feminism to worldwide attention, particularly in terms of sexuality and equality in the workplace which furthered liberation of women in parts of Europe and Asia. While third wave feminism is focused on the abolishment of gender roles and stereotyping, proving the liberating qualities of identity politics.
It has been described by political journalist that "Identity politics is spreading, filling the chasm where the politics of ideas used to be. Even the general election looks to be a festival of identity... ...Politicos rarely speak of the 'electorate' any more. Instead they prefer to change their message based on the ethnicity, gender or generalisation pocket they're talking to." claims Brendan O'Neill of The Spectator. This shows a recognition of the issues that can be brought about by the aspiration of gender politics and the negative effects it can have on other members of a community which do not identify with the policies of a minority, which in reaction, oppresses the majority.
The rise of nationalism throughout Europe since 2009, highlighted in the popularity of far-right movements and parties such as the UK Independence Party, is an example of how identity can be oppressive towards other social groupings. In this case, the oppressed are the immigrants from within the EU currently residing in the UK. This shows how identity politics can create a parallel negative force for other communities.
Ultimately, it is clear that Identity Politics can both liberate and oppress social organizations, more commonly, the differentiation can be found in how these social groups pressure governments and populations. If a group resorts to counter-oppression and violence to gain recognition, it can become the oppressor in itself, while the diplomatic approach and suffrage for example can reach a liberal outcome.
