Theory/Context

Identity politics

Identity politics are politics based on a certain identity for example:

• Nationality
• Race
• Culture
• Religion
• Gender
• Social background
• Social class

Its aim is to support and centre the concerns, agendas and projects of particular groups in accord with specific social and political changes.

Culture wars

Culture wars are cultural conflicts between social groups and the struggle for dominance of their values, beliefs and practises. It commonly refers to topics on which their is societal disagreement and polarisation in societal values is seen.

The term is commonly used to describe contemporary politics in the western democracies with issues such as abortion, homosexuality, transgender rights, pornography, multiculturalism, racial viewpoints and other cultural conflicts based on views, morality and lifestyle being described and the major political cleavage.