Identity Politics

Paper Summary:

This paper argues that, although identity politics has long been perceived as supremely important to the continued success of political and social institutions, there are indications that this approach to understanding national identity is incorrect or at least exaggerated. The author examines the role that identity politics plays in the Canadian context and concedes it may no longer be a driving consideration in the success of political and social institutions. The paper concludes that, since Canadian "uniqueness" among Western democracies is largely mythical, the decreasing importance of identity politics in Canada points to a larger shift among Western democracies towards societies in which unity of identity is no longer the crucial factor in the success of the state.

From the Paper:

"Despite this, Canada as a nation has not crumpled or torn itself apart via internal strife and division. The nation's political and social institutions have been as successful as ever even as identity politics has become increasingly banal and multi-level, fluid identities have proliferated. The obvious conclusion that can be drawn from this social and political reality is that identity politics is no longer the defining factor in determining the success of a nation. For instance, despite consistently failing to identify themselves as Canadian instead of Quebecois, that particular subgroup still utilizes and participates in Canadian social and political institutions."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Kymlicka, W. (2003). Being Canadian. Government and Opposition, 38(3), pp. 357-385.

More papers on Identity Politics:

• Essay # 84084 : "Identity Politics and Social Change"
• Argumentative Essay # 148673 : "Jackie Robinson and Identity Politics"
• Essay # 84070 : "Wendle and Identity Politics"

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