Identity Politics

3 Credits · Level: Graduate

Identity has played a significant role in American politics and policy, as Americans have often sought to achieve political goals by organizing on the basis of a common “social" identity, such as race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, class, or gender. Many, but not all, identity-based movements have achieved dramatic successes in reducing legal barriers to equality. Despite these successes, prejudice, stereotype, intolerance and inequality persist, and some people have blamed identity politics itself for perpetuating these problems. In this course, we will explore the social and political experiences of various identity-based minority groups in the U.S., and consider the role that government policy has played in their experience, whether through subordination or empowerment. We will study the strategies used by different minority groups as they have sought to mobilize members and supporters, and we will evaluate their successes and failures in achieving their political goals. Finally, we will analyze the debate over whether identity politics and policy serves to divide and polarize Americans, or if it increases tolerance and support for diversity in an increasingly multicultural nation. Though the primary focus of this course will be identity-based interest groups, we will also examine their similarities and differences compared to interest groups that are not organized around identity.