"Identity" in the discursive practice of contemporary socio-political movements

Abstract

The rhetoric of contemporary socio-political movements often formulates its demands and arguments using the word ,,identity”, despite the lack of its clear definition. The article aims to analyze the additional meanings that ,,identity” acquires in the discursive practice of modern socio-political movements such as feminism, the LGBT movement, and environmental activism, as well as to examine the role of ,,identity” in these discourses. Research materials are classic works related to each socio-political movement. As the result the paper claimes that in feminism, the LGBT movement, and environmental activism, the word ,,identity” serves as a tool to attribute importance to aspects previously considered secondary - whether it be women, gender, or biological organisms. The search for the reasons behind such a rhetorical choice implies immersing into the theory of psychologisation of modern society (J. De Vos) and the theory of psychological power (M. Foucault).