Beyond Identity Politics

Identity Politics

Universal Social Equality as a Basis for Freedom and Liberation

This course is for people interested in what neohumanism contributes to our understanding of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. Our contemporary world is riven with social antagonisms and political vitriol that many blame on “identity politics,” a term that gets tossed around often but without clear understanding of what it means or entails. So, what is “identity politics,” and why is it so charged? Where did it come from, how did it develop, and what are its implications? Are there are other forms of political engagement and social movement more suitable to the challenges we currently face? In this two-part course we’ll explore these questions and examine the possibility that identity politics does more to reinforce the status quo than to challenge it. As an alternative, we’ll consider how neohumanism engages issues of identity and advances universal social equality as the basis of human freedom and liberation.

In this course you will:

answer the question, "What is Identity Politics?"
gain a deeper understanding of the origins of Identity Politics
gain a nuanced understanding of the limitations of Identity Politics
consider other forms of political engagement and social movement more suitable to the challenges we currently face

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$50

Identity Politics

Universal Social Equality as a Basis for Freedom and Liberation

This course is for people interested in what neohumanism contributes to our understanding of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. Our contemporary world is riven with social antagonisms and political vitriol that many blame on “identity politics,” a term that gets tossed around often but without clear understanding of what it means or entails. So, what is “identity politics,” and why is it so charged? Where did it come from, how did it develop, and what are its implications? Are there are other forms of political engagement and social movement more suitable to the challenges we currently face? In this two-part course we’ll explore these questions and examine the possibility that identity politics does more to reinforce the status quo than to challenge it. As an alternative, we’ll consider how neohumanism engages issues of identity and advances universal social equality as the basis of human freedom and liberation.

Jason Schreiner, Instructor

Jason Schreiner serves as President of PROUT Institute, is Instructor of Environmental Studies at the University of Oregon and is Assistant Director of the Teaching Engagement Program at the University of Oregon Office of the Provost. As the PROUT Institute’s chief public speaker, Jason brings a passion and deep understanding of social and political theory, liberation philosophy, and PROUT to inspire the students in training at the Institute.

Jason’s contributions are informed by his background in farming (conventional and organic) and working in community organizations, having served as Director of Development for the Kansas Rural Center, a nonprofit that promotes sustainable agriculture and local food security, and as Outreach and Communications Director for Goal One Coalition, an Oregon-based nonprofit organization that engaged citizens to participate in land use decisions in order to create livable communities and sustainable economies.