Identity politics is the politics of group-based movements claiming to represent the interests and identity of a particular group, rather than policy issues relating to all members of the community. The group identity is typically based on ethnicity, religion, sex, sexuality, or similar criteria. Although most political parties target particular constituencies or demographics more than others, this is typically not the core part of their ideology.
Groups may engage in supremacist politics, where they seek to dominate other groups for what they see as legitimate reasons. A middle way between these two extremes is separatism, where one group seeks to isolate itself from other groups.
Ethnic nationalism may be regarded as a form of identity politics within the wider international community. Examples of identity politics within nations are:
Last updated: 09-03-2005 18:37:12
