With reference to constructivism explain the two aspects of the social context for explaining the politicization of identity
What will be an ideal response?
Two aspects of the social context are particularly important for explaining the politicization of identity.
First, long-term social, economic, or technological change can politicize identity. Marx correctly noted that industrialization creates an urban working class, whose members may come to understand the political implications of their economic status differently from their ancestors who had worked the land. Rapid economic development can also dramatically alter how people perceive the proper roles for men and women inside and outside the home, thereby changing the nature of gender identities. Migration by large numbers of people—due to environmental disaster, war, or economic development—can bring about competition for natural resources, which sometimes spurs the politicization of ethnic or religious differences and the spread of religions can politicize differences about morality and community ethics. Slow, long-term change in the social context shapes how individuals conceive of themselves and their community, which, in turn, influences the politicization of identity as whole.
181
Second, identity can become politicized because someone or some group had an interest in that outcome. That is, constructivism suggests that identity can be politicized as a result of competition for political power. To establish authority or enhance their legitimacy, leaders attempt to articulate an appealing image of the community and its goals. Some politicians attempt to gain followers by highlighting differences between their group and others—such as divides based on race, religion, or differing ideologies—while others attempt to articulate a vision that unifies everyone, for example by highlighting the commonalities that unite citizens of a particular nation. Constructivism highlights how efforts to acquire and hold onto power can politicize different forms of political identity.
You might also like to view...
At the time it was passed, which of the following was supported by the same women's groups that had just won ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment?
a. Infancy and Maternity Protection Act b. Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act c. National School Lunch Act d. Aid to Families with Dependent Children
Which of the following is agovernment corporation?
a. the Food and Drug Administration b. the Federal Elections Commission c. the U.S. Postal Service d. the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
For presidential candidates, Californians' fundraising potential is often regarded as a(n)______
Fill in the blank(s) with correct word
Which of the following complaints is most directly addressed by the Affordable Care Act?
a. Medicare leaves too many health care expenses for the elderly to pay out of their own pockets. b. Only a single-payer system can bring about significant health care savings. c. There are too many uninsured Americans. d. Employer-sponsored health insurance unnecessarily restricts my choice of doctors.