Identity Politics and Democratic Justice

Is identity politics a new emancipatory potential which brings real cultural, social and value content of group identities into formalism of liberal democracies, or is it a case of categorically contradictory and untenable project which destroys autonomy of liberal-democratic citizenship? The author tries to weigh the importance, difficulties and scope of policy of identity in a balanced manner The first part deals with the complexity and dynamics of personal and group identities, as well as political articulations of identities that precede the current discussions. In the second part the requirements and difficulties of identity politics are being considered They arise from its starting position regarding the political primacy of the concept of the good over the concept of right, i.e. equal public and positive recognition and acceptance of group identities and social determination in the political articulation of community. Finally, the author emphasizes the special importance and prospects of corrective values of identity politics for democratic justice.