Collective Identities and Social Movements

Abstract

This report gives an overview of theories and approaches to the study of social identities, drawing on recent literature in the field. It argues that the study of social identities should be linked to the social outlets for identity, be they movements, associations, networks and the like. Starting with an account of late modernity , it introduces social movements as an outgrowth of late modernity's rising dissatisfaction with organised politics and with the revitalisation and new social movements approaches are analysed and found wanting in various respects. This leads into a discussion of the politics of identity and its inclusionary and exclusionary facets and the mix of identities typical of modern society. Group identities are contrasted to individual identities and the importance of social position and narrative tradition are highlighted for identities. The report concludes with three suggestions for further research. Hugo Stokke is a political scientist and researcher at the Chr. Michelsen Institute. His research interests are human rights, political theory and development studies with a geographical focus on South and Southeast Asia. He is currently working on a Ph.D. on international labour standards and their promotion through technical assistance by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). Marit Tjomsland is a sociologist and researcher at the Chr. Michelsen Institute. Her research interests are modernisation theory, islamisation and gender issues with a geographical focus on North Africa in general and Tunisia in particular and she is currently working on a Ph.D. research project on islamism in Tunisia.