Role of Identity Politics in Ensuring Social Justice in India

Abstract

Identity Politics has become a prominent subject in the Indian Politics in past few years. Rise of lower castes, gender, religious identities, linguistic groups and ethnic conflicts have contributed to the significance of identity politics in India. The tendency for individuals who share a specific racial, religious, ethnic, social, or cultural identity to create exclusive political coalitions in order to further their own interests independent of those of a broader political group is known as identity politics. The goal of identity politics is to help marginalized communities regain more political freedom and self-determination by helping them recognize what makes them unique. The charms of caste, ethnicity, religion, language, and gender propel identity politics. Identity politics has in fact transcended all bounds of the political imaginary, challenging all ingrained preconceptions as well as the significance of race, caste, class, and sexual preferences. Social justice is the fair treatment and equitable status of all individuals and social groups within a state or society. This paper aims to bring about a general understanding of the concept of identity politics and the key identities which are playing a crucial role in Indian politics. Further this paper will also analyze the relation between identity politics and social justice and how identity politics is playing a role in curbing social injustice prevailing within the Indian society. Identity Politics has become a prominent subject in the Indian Politics in past few years. Rise of lower castes, gender, religious identities, linguistic groups and ethnic conflicts have contributed to the significance of identity politics in India. The tendency for individuals who share a specific racial, religious, ethnic, social, or cultural identity to create exclusive political coalitions in order to further their own interests independent of those of a broader political group is known as identity politics. The goal of identity politics is to help marginalized communities regain more political freedom and self-determination by helping them recognize what makes them unique. The charms of caste, ethnicity, religion, language, and gender propel identity politics. Identity politics has in fact transcended all bounds of the political imaginary, challenging all ingrained preconceptions as well as the significance of race, caste, class, and sexual preferences. Social justice is the fair treatment and equitable status of all individuals and social groups within a state or society. This paper aims to bring about a general understanding of the concept of identity politics and the key identities which are playing a crucial role in Indian politics. Further this paper will also analyze the relation between identity politics and social justice and how identity politics is playing a role in curbing social injustice prevailing within the Indian society.