Privilege and discrimination in identity politics: ‘Guiding Distinctions’ as a tool for analyzing social inequality

Abstract

This article examines the evolution of discourse on social inequality through the concept of ‘guiding distinctions’, a theoretical term introduced by Niklas Luhmann. The study develops criteria for ‘guiding distinctions’, making the concept usable as an analytical tool. Using this framework, the article traces a historical shift from the Marxist focus on economic inequality, rooted in the capital/labor dichotomy, to the contemporary emphasis on identity politics, which is characterized by the novel guiding distinction between privilege and discrimination. The study illuminates how current identity politics redefine social inequality as a multifaceted phenomenon involving various forms of discrimination, beyond just economic issues. Applying the ‘guiding distinction’ framework reveals two key developments: an increasing complexity in the understanding of social inequality and a shift in efforts to address it, moving from class struggle to approaches centered on enlightenment and education. The article argues that recognizing these shifts is crucial for a nuanced analysis of identity politics and its implications for societal understanding of social inequality. The findings contribute to ongoing debates in sociology about the role of identity politics in shaping contemporary social movements and the study of social inequality.