Identity has played a crucial role in the modern era. Join Frank Furedi, a leading sociologist and one of the world's leading thinkers on cultural issues, in this academy course, as he explores the notion of ‘identity’ and charts the evolution of what identity means, and how it gives our lives value. He also discusses the politicisation of identity and examines how this, in the form of the culture wars, has created division within society. He offers his own radical solution to the issue, arguing that we must revolutionise the way we understand history and morality.

By the end of the course, you will have learned:

• The historical evolution of the concept of identity and its role in shaping modern life.
• How identity provides meaning and value in contemporary society.
• The roots of the politicisation of identity and its role in today’s culture wars.
• The impact of identity politics on social cohesion and division.
• Furedi’s radical rethinking of history and morality as a solution to identity-based conflicts.

As part of the course there are in-video quiz questions to consolidate your learning, suggested further readings to stimulate a deeper exploration of the topic.

IAI Academy courses are designed to be challenging but accessible to the interested student. No specialist knowledge is required.

• Furedi, F., The Road to Identity: The Moral Case for Embracing Humanity, (London: Routledge, 2021).
• Furedi, F., How Fear Works: Culture of Fear in the Twenty-First Century, (London: Bloomsbury, 2018).
• Fukuyama, F., Identity: Contemporary Identity Politics and the Struggle for Recognition, (New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2018).
• Taylor, C., The Ethics of Authenticity, (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1991).
• Appiah, K. A., The Lies That Bind: Rethinking Identity, (London: Profile Books, 2018).
• Bauman, Z., Identity: Conversations with Benedetto Vecchi, (Cambridge: Polity Press, 2004).