Summary
It is important to clearly define difference, so that we can see that people differentiate
themselves in terms of their distinct identity or identities. The problem with
‘privileging’ a particular identity is that it becomes dominant. The identities of others
or other identities within an individual are downgraded and ignored, so that it is
tempting to suppress these others.
The postmodern or poststructuralist view of ‘difference’ sometimes sees difference
as something that cannot be resolved but must be endlessly ‘deferred’. This is based
upon a dualistic view of truth that is insupportable.
Feminism initially regarded difference as negative because it was identified with
justification for discrimination. Second wave feminists tended to invert this negativity
so that female difference was seen as positive, separating men from women. Recent
theorising has, however, sought to emphasise the importance of both sameness and
difference. Liberalism is unable to celebrate diversity because its tendency to
abstraction treats people as property. Either all are the same or all are different.
The state as an institution that tackles conflicts of interest through force, divides
people and, therefore, demonises difference and exalts sameness. It is unable to
respect identity and thus acts in tension with democracy.Questions
- Does a person’s identity revolve around one dominant feature?
- Do you find the concept of ‘différance’ helpful?
- Do you agree with the argument that liberalism is unable to handle the concept
of difference? - What is difference?
- Does the state facilitate the expression of difference among inhabitants?
References
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