Abstract
The debate over the role of identity politics within the American Left surfaced after the Democrat’s defeat during the 2016 presidential election. In this project, I establish theoretical frameworks using the works of Émile Durkheim and Jean-Jacques Rousseau that explain the rise of identity politics within the American Left and the subsequent critiques of the practice. First, through a comparative analysis of the works of Durkheim and Rousseau’s writings on the relationship between the individual and the state in contemporary society, I demonstrate how the rise of identity politics is explained by the existence of a non-inclusive collective force. This comparison will also show how a disagreement between the theorists over the function of government as a regulator of the cohesion in society is critical to understanding the contemporary critiques on the role of identity-based political groups in American politics. Lastly, I argue for Durkheim's side on this disagreement and show how a Durkheimian approach to identity politics can bridge the gaps between identity groups and their critics, ultimately leading to more successful political outcomes. This project will allow for a way out of this contentious debate.
Advisor
Fitz Gibbon, Heather
Second Advisor
Weber, Desiree
Department
Political Science; Sociology and Anthropology
Recommended Citation
Maffei, Austin, "A Rumination on Identity Politics with Durkheim and Rousseau" (2018). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 7992.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/7992
Keywords
Identity Politics, Durkheim, Rousseau, Political Sociology, US politics, Pragmatism
Publication Date
2018
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2018 Austin Maffei
