politics of identity in democratic society. Itexamines the merits and weaknesses of the ideas associated with themajor schools and thinkers in contemporary philosophicalliberalism. It also provides a critical exploration of thearguments of their pluralist rivals, including advocates ofmulticulturalism, 'difference' and recognition. Kenny illustrates how debates over such concepts as identity,difference, recognition and culture are intertwined with politicaltheorists' characterizations of democracy, citizenship and civilsociety. In an analysis that juxtaposes normative political theorywith the study of social movements and change, the authorchallenges two widely held ideas about the relationship betweenliberal democracy and culturally based groups. He questions theassertion that there is no place for identity based politicalargument in the public life of a democracy. And he challenges thepluralist conviction that the re-emergence of collective identitiessignals the demise of liberal culture and political thought. Written in a clear and accessible style, The Politics of Identityis intended for students, scholars and general readers interestedin contemporary political and social thought, political ideologies,and political culture.

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