Module VII·Article III·~1 min read
Cultural Wars: Identity Politics and Cultural Conflicts
Globalization, Counterculture, and Identity
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What are "Cultural Wars"?
"Cultural wars" are political conflicts surrounding values, identity, and cultural norms, rather than purely economic interests. The term gained popularity after James Davidson Hunter's book ("Culture Wars", 1991): a fundamental divide between "orthodox" (supporters of traditional values based on religion) and "progressives" (supporters of liberal values on a secular basis).
In the USA: abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, education (what should be taught in schools), the role of religion in public life, immigration. In Russia: traditional values vs. liberalism. In Western Europe: multiculturalism and Islamophobia, questions of colonial legacy.
Identity Politics: Pros and Cons
"Identity politics" is politics based on the shared identity of a group (racial, gender, sexual, religious). Arguments in favor: groups that have been systematically discriminated against need collective political power to protect their interests. Arguments against: it fragments political coalitions along the lines of identity instead of class or overall citizenship.
Francis Fukuyama ("Identity", 2018): identity politics are a reaction to real grievances over recognition. But it often leads to "leftidance" — competition in victimhood. A genuine response is to create a common civic identity that includes, rather than displaces, particular identities.
Mark Lilla ("Liberal Critic"): democratic leftists should talk about citizenship and the common good, not about groups. This is necessary for electoral coalitions.
Question for reflection: How does your organization manage different "identities" within itself? Does it have a strong enough common identity to accommodate diversity without disintegration?
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