Intelligence Squared

Identity Politics Is Tearing Society Apart

May 31, 2019

Lionel Shriver, a novelist and journalist known for her provocative insights, argues that identity politics is fracturing society. In contrast, Dawn Foster, a columnist for the Guardian, and David Lammy, a Labour MP, defend identity politics as a necessary tool for social justice. Trevor Phillips, former chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, joins Shriver in expressing concern over societal divisions. The panel delves into whether these movements promote equity or deepen societal divides, sparking a dynamic discussion full of personal anecdotes and reflective arguments.

01:04:23

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

The Identity Politics Debate

31min

The Role of Identity Politics in Social Justice

2min

The Evolution of Rights and Identity in the 20th Century

3min

The Complexities of Identity Politics and Leadership

17min

Examining Policy Impact on Equality and Discrimination

2min

The Necessity of Identity Politics in Upholding Human Dignity

4min

Audience Reactions and Vote Results After the Debate

2min

Is identity politics, with its emphasis on gender, ethnicity and sexual orientation, sowing division? Or is it a call for social justice for everyone? On 22nd May 2019 we were joined by a panel of experts to debate the motion "Identity Politics Is Tearing Society Apart". Arguing in favour of the motion were Trevor Phillips, Founding chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, and Lionel Shriver, novelist and journalist. Against the motion were Dawn Foster, Guardian columnist and staff writer for Jacobin magazine, and David Lammy, Labour MP for Tottenham and a campaigner for social justice. The debate was chaired by Kamal Ahmed, Editorial director of BBC News and former BBC economics editor.

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