The recent protests’ by various groups demanding special privileges to their members indicates the resurgence of identity politics in India. What do you understand by Identity politics? Discuss its social, political and economic impacts? (200 words)
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IAS Parliament 6 years
KEY POINTS
Identity Politics
· Groups of people having a particular racial, religious, ethnic, social, or cultural identity tend to promote their own specific interests or concerns without regard to the interests or concerns of any larger political group.
· In other words, a tendency for people of a particular identity to form exclusive political alliances, moving away from traditional broad-based party politics.
Political Impacts
· Rise of regional and state parties is one of the consequences of identity politics in India. (E.g.) BSP, Shivsena etc.
· It has made considerable impacts on international relations as well. (E.g.) Tamil identity politics impact on India-Srilanka relations.
· Agitation of third gender community. This is the positive development and it has led to passage of protective legislation for third gender community.
· It led to vote bank politics where political parties focusing mainly on the needs of particular social groups.
Social Impacts
· Political parties could focus on particular sections deprived of political power and economic opportunities in the society.
· Identity politics has also given better representation to socially discriminated classes and minorities.
· Identity politics could sow the seeds of hatred and enmity among different sections of society based on castes, religion, ethnicity etc.
· Identity politics is responsible for divisive tendencies and could lead to the separatist tendencies. (E.g.) Naga insurgency after independence, Dravidanadu demand, Khalistan movement etc.
Economic Impacts
· Ethnic fragmentation makes it difficult for communities across fault lines to come together to mobilize on economic issues.
· As more communities demand special privileges, the government may end up committing greater funds for the welfare of select communities at the expense of development projects and public goods meant for all.
· Indeed it is the cause for India’s traditionally high fiscal deficits, low public investment and stunted economic growth rates.
