Book excerpt: A better theory of identity politics

Jan 23, 2020

Delve into the fascinating dynamics of identity and its pivotal role in political polarization. The discussion highlights how personal identities shape our political views and often take precedence over policies. Emotional ties in sports fandom serve as a powerful metaphor for partisan loyalty, revealing the complexities of group dynamics. The exploration of identity politics in immigration showcases evolving party values. Engaging anecdotes and psychological insights drive home the importance of understanding our own identities in shaping societal interactions.

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INSIGHT

Sports and Identity

Sports fandom exemplifies the power of group identity.
Fans attach their happiness to outcomes of games they don't play, highlighting the psychological importance of "winning."

insights

INSIGHT

Evolution of Group Belonging

Humans evolved to feel the life-or-death stakes of group belonging.
Loneliness triggers physical stress responses, highlighting the deep-seated need for social connection.

insights

INSIGHT

Politics as a Team Sport

Partisans act like sports fans, prioritizing their team's status over broader good.
Partisan identity drives political action more than policy or ideology.

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Understanding Identity Politics

02:07 • 14min

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The Impact of Group Identity in Sports Fandom

16:36 • 7min

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The Dynamics of Identity Politics

23:13 • 26min

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Exploring Identity's Role in Political Polarization

49:24 • 7min

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The Intersection of Partisanship and Identity Politics

56:01 • 2min

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Identity Politics and Immigration: A Reflective Exploration

58:24 • 4min

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#937

• Mentioned in 39 episodes

In 'Why We're Polarized,' Ezra Klein argues that America’s political system is polarizing due to the merging of partisan identities with racial, religious, geographic, ideological, and cultural identities. The book explores how these merged identities have led to a dysfunctional political system and traces the feedback loops between polarized political identities and institutions. Klein also discusses the role of media and psychological factors in exacerbating polarization, providing a comprehensive analysis of the current state of American politics.

#37

• Mentioned in 281 episodes

How to Change

The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be

Katy Milkman

In this ground-breaking book, Katy Milkman reveals a proven path to help readers move from where they are to where they want to be. Drawing on her original research and the work of her world-renowned scientific collaborators, Milkman shares strategic methods for identifying and overcoming common barriers to change, such as impulsivity, procrastination, and forgetfulness. The book offers innovative approaches like 'temptation bundling,' using timely reminders, and creating 'set-it-and-forget-it systems' to make change more achievable. It emphasizes the importance of tailoring solutions to specific roadblocks and using science to stack the deck in favor of successful change.

#489

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Lost Connections

Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression – and the Unexpected Solutions

Johann Hari

In 'Lost Connections', Johann Hari explores the increasing rates of depression and anxiety in the Western world. Through a 40,000-mile journey interviewing experts and visiting various communities, Hari identifies nine causes of depression and anxiety, all centered around the theme of disconnection. These causes include disconnection from meaningful work, other people, meaningful values, childhood trauma, status and respect, the natural world, and a hopeful or secure future. The book also delves into the role of genes and brain changes. Hari argues that traditional solutions focusing on chemical imbalances are insufficient and proposes alternative solutions based on reconnection, such as social prescribing, community engagement, and addressing societal issues like inequality and lack of social security.

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Uncivil agreement

How Politics Became Our Identity

Lilliana Mason

In *Uncivil Agreement*, Lilliana Mason examines the growing social gulf across racial, religious, and cultural lines that have come to divide neatly between the two major political parties. She argues that group identifications have altered the way people think and feel about themselves and their opponents. Even when Democrats and Republicans can agree on policy outcomes, they tend to view each other with distrust and prioritize party victory. Mason combines theory from political science and social psychology to describe this 'social' type of polarization in American politics, highlighting its impact on democracy and political engagement.

To hate like this is to be happy forever

Will Blythe

This book delves into the intense rivalry between Duke and North Carolina's basketball teams, examining how this rivalry reflects broader cultural and class dynamics in the South. Will Blythe, a lifelong Tar Heels fan, immerses himself in the lives of both teams, offering a personal and social history of the rivalry.

#77620

Enlightenment 2.0

Joseph Heath

In 'Enlightenment 2. 0', Joseph Heath argues that the current political landscape is increasingly divided between rational and irrational discourse. He proposes a new approach called 'slow politics', which emphasizes slow thought, deliberation, and debate to counteract the rapid-fire pace of modern politics. Heath draws on psychological and philosophical research to advocate for collective action against social conditions that hinder rational thought.

This is a podcast episode literally years in the making. It’s an excerpt — the first anywhere — from my book Why We’re Polarized.

A core argument of the book is that identity is the central driver of political polarization. But to see how it works, we need a better theory of how identities form, what happens when they activate, and where they fit into our conflicts. We’ve been taught to only see identity politics in others. We need to see it in ourselves.

If you’re a longtime listener, this excerpt — like the broader book — will tie a lot of threads on this show together. If you’re a new listener, it’ll give you, I hope, a clearer way to understand a powerful driver of our politics and our lives.

Why We’re Polarized comes out on January 28. You can order it, both in text and audiobook forms, at WhyWerePolarized.com.

Find the audio book on Audible.com

New to the show? Want to listen to Ezra's favorite episodes? Check out The Ezra Klein Show beginner's guide.

Want to contact the show? Reach out at ezrakleinshow@vox.com

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Credits:

Producer and Editor - Jeff Geld

Researcher - Roge Karma

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