In his book "Identity and Violence. The Illusion of Destiny" (New York, London 2006), Amartya Sen criticizes the positions contending the existence of cultural identities which completely absorb individual minds and destinies. Sen sees in such positions the danger that cultural identities can be used in order to stir up, in a society, groups against other groups. Identities can represent, in the opinion of Sen, an ideological instrument used to oppress minorities and to gain power over determined groups.
I agree with you: Sen has very many interesting ideas.
I think in order to do justice to Sen's volume, you have to present the context that was decisive for the book "Identity and Violence". Sens's concern from the beginning has been to criticize the theories of classical economics since A. Smith, because they neither address the problem of just distribution nor the existing (or unanticipated) chances of self-realization of existing chances for a better life in the face of existing social deprivation and poverty. The concept of identity is at the centre of Sen's criticism only to the extent that it helps to promote "The Clash of Civilizations" - this S.P. Huntington's concept criticises Sen. Generalized attributions of idiosyncrasies and mentalities would strengthen the prejudices of religious or nationalistic fundamentalism. (regarding German dictatorships of Nazi-time and Real Socialism we also can see such stereotypes) Sen advocates a multicultural cultural understanding.
Anastas Ivanov Ivanov
I am somewhat surprised at your optimism regarding the impact of digitization on social processes and democratic opinion making. I am quite sceptical about the largely anonymous role of social media today. I also question the method used by US President Trump to govern via Twitter. The clash of cultures, the hatred and influence of the masses have, in my opinion, increased rather than decreased as a result of digitisation.
Greetings, Hein
I have not read, of course, the book under discussion, but I already have an opinion (; - /).
The conscious belonging to the community of descendants of the Old Believers-Cossacks does not in the least prevent me from being friendly to other national and religious groups. And maybe, on the contrary, it helps? A clear understanding of what you are is a condition for understanding that the other are different.
The only clause is that anybody doesn’t have to teach me, and I won’t ...
Sen belongs to the small circle of scientists who have not only analysed social conditions of injustice, poverty and exploitation, but have also successfully tried to provide measuring instruments and standards for the further investigation and pacification of these grievances.
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