Identity Politics Reconsidered

Based on the ongoing work of the agenda-setting Future of Minority Studies national research project, Identity Politics Reconsidered reconceptualizes the scholarly and political significance of social identity. It focuses on the deployment of “identity” within ethnic-, women’s-, disability-, and gay and lesbian studies in order to stimulate discussion about issues that are simultaneously theoretical and practical, ranging from ethics and epistemology to political theory and pedagogical practice. This collection of powerful essays by both well-known and emerging scholars offers original answers to questions concerning the analytical legitimacy of “identity” and “experience,” and the relationships among cultural autonomy, moral universalism, and progressive politics.

“This brilliant collection of essays by intellectual activists is a seminal contribution to the critical debate over the complex field of identity politics. If you read one book on the subject this year, make it this one and join the conversation.”  ~ Nancy Cantor, Syracuse University President and Chancellor

 

“A great collection to understand current critical debates on identity politics in the humanities. As a social scientist, I have learned much from this discussion, which includes essays from well known “intellectual activists,” both theorists and practitioners of identity-based liberation movements and minority studies.” ~ Lourdes Beneria, Cornell University