Identity and the Challenge of Transformation

The section aims at shedding light on the relationship between identity and transformation processes in the context of political, social and cultural change. The section is interested both in the impact identity exerts on societal and political transformation processes and the influence of societal transformation processes on identity making. The background are the phenomena labeled with categories of ‘globalization’, ‘transnationalization’, ‘regional integration’, ‘hybridization’, in particular the complex socio-cultural diversity these phenomena entail, and how they affect historically established domains of political and social life. With ongoing social and political transformations the shifting of boundaries and the re-definition of collective identities, poses numerous challenges to the activities of nation-states, societies, subnational and social groups. On the one hand, the congruence between political decision-makers and those groups of persons affected by the decisions are becoming increasingly shaky. Powerful changes in politics and societies question collective identities taken hitherto for granted. On the other hand, potent identity politics attempt to deliver answers to nations, groups and organizations that are themselves subject to radical change. The section panels could focus on identity politics underlying current attempts at redefining, renewing or reaffirming the political and social boundaries in different regions of the world. In addition, panels could draw attention to dynamics underlying the construction and reproduction of political and social identities under conditions of increased cultural heterogeneity and shifting collective allegiances. Based on the scholarly network of the ECPR Standing Group ‘Identity’, the section will focus on the relationship between identity and transformation in eight main areas: • Identity under transformation stress: Old and new identity politics • Diversity and heterogeneity as focal points for identity politics • Defending identity: identity, ideology and change • Identity, societal transformation and political protest • Framing and reframing of collective identities in the context of changing borders • ‘Othering’ and separatist identity making • Social change and identity politics in international comparison • Transnational mobilization of identity Scholars are invited to propose panels which promise new insights and fresh ideas based on empirical as well as theoretically grounded research.