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Redistribution, Recognition & Intersectionality Identity Politics

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IDENTITY POLITICS

Identity Politics: On Redistribution, Recognition and Intersectionality

Anavie R. Alegre

University of the Philippines-Visayas

Political Science 164

Prof. Mary Barbie Badayos-Jover

April 04, 2013

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IDENTITY POLITICS

The arising focus on identity subverts the body politic, emphasizing differences rather

then commonalities in society. The struggle for recognition of these identities are mobilized

in the lines of nationality, ethnicity, gender and sexuality (Fraser, 1997). Concerns for

recognition arise because of social injustices the derail the rise of individual self-identity and

the undermining and absorption of the identities of these minorities into the majority that may

lead to the vanishing of the culture and tradition identification among these groups. The

vanishing of this identification arises the notion of the preservation of these cultures leading

to identity-based movements. The discourse of recognition is primarily rooted in what Fraser

identified into cultural injustice and socioeconomic injustice. Cultural injustice is rooted in

“social patterns of representation, interpretation, and communication” (Fraser, 1997).

Socioeconomic injustice on the other hand roots from the political-economic structure of

society. These two are under a broader concept—Social Justice. To uphold Social Justice it is

essential to remedy the social ills that arise in Society. Fraser proposed that the remedies of

these injustices are redistribution and recognition.

Redistribution remedies for socioeconomic injustice dedifferentiate groups and that

recognition remedies for cultural injustices enhance group differentiation. She argued that

because of this, it is hard to focus on both simultaneously.

Alcoff (2006) stated in her book Visible Identities: Race, Gender, and the Self the

concerns with regards to the redistribution and recognition dilemma. She stated that identity

pathologize the society because it is a form of balkanization. However, according to her,

there is a discrepancy between theoretical constructions of these realities and it’s practical use.

She stated the stand of Liberalists and Leftists groups in the issue of identity and focused

more on Fraser’s arguments regarding the topic. She pointed out that redistribution and

recognition have conflicting aims. Redistribution aims calls for the “abolishing economic

arrangements that underpin group specificity” (Alcoff, 2006). The demands that come with

this can either enhance or subvert inequalities. On the other hand, recognition claims calls

for the creation of group specificity and then affirming its value. Alcoff argued: “neither class

nor class identity can be separated from social identity”. Redistribution is an important facet

of society taking its roots from way back into history. According to her, it is the raison d’etre

of identity-based organizations. Fraser argues that to be able to lessen and ultimately

eradicate social inequalities, it is essential to veer away from asserting a groups’ identity and

focus more on the struggle for class status. She constructed recognition of identity into

recognition of status but Alcoff argues otherwise. According to her, recognition and

redistribution are bound up and mutually reinforce each other. To quote her:

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IDENTITY POLITICS 1 Identity Politics: On Redistribution, Recognition and Intersectionality Anavie R. Alegre University of the Philippines-Visayas Political Science 164 Prof. Mary Barbie Badayos-Jover April 04, 2013 IDENTITY POLITICS 2 The arising focus on identity subverts the body politic, emphasizing differences rather then commonalities in society. The struggle for recognition of these identities are mobilized in the lines of nationality, ethnicity, gender and sexuality (Fraser, 1997). Concerns for recognition arise because of social injustices the derail the rise of individual self-identity and the undermining and absorption of the identities of these minorities into the majority that may lead to the vanishing of the culture and tradition identification among these groups. The vanishing of this identification arises the notion of the preservation of these cultures leading to identity-based movements. The discourse of recognition is primarily rooted in what Fraser identified into cultural injustice and socioeconomic injustice. Cultural injustice is rooted in “social patterns of representation, interpretation, and communication” (Fraser, 1997). Socioeconomic injustice on the other hand roots from the political-economic structure of society. These two are under a broader concept—Social Justice. To uphold Social Justice it is essential to remedy the social ills that arise in Society. Fraser proposed that the remedies of these injustices are redistribution and re ...
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Tags: Redistribution recognition intersectionality Identity Politics socioeconomic injustice