Identity politics

Identity politics refers to political organizing and argument that begin from shared experiences of a social group, such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or religion, usually in response to discrimination or marginalization. The Combahee River Collective, a group of Black feminists, used the term in a 1977 statement that is often cited as the origin.

Supporters see it as a legitimate way for groups that were excluded to claim rights and recognition, as the civil rights, women's and gay-rights movements did. Critics, including many conservatives and some liberals such as Mark Lilla, argue that it divides citizens into groups, emphasizes differences over common citizenship and can encourage grievance, and say it conflicts with the colorblind ideal of equality of opportunity.

The term is now used widely and not always precisely. Conservatives point out that they, too, engage in identity politics, such as appeals to white, rural or religious Americans; scholars note that all politics involves group interests. Debates about the concept touch on policies like diversity, equity and inclusion, the academic theory known as critical race theory, and the meaning of woke. The word's use as an insult may say as much about the speaker as the target.