Identities as Projects, Essentialism as Rhetoric

Ethnic conflict is often presented as being rooted in group differences that are inherent and immutable. This assumes both the existence of the group identities involved and the nature of their attributes. However, neither the availability of particular group-based identifications nor their attributes are givens: they are social products. This chapter explores the human social practice involved in their construction. In doing so, it pays particular attention to the strategic dimension to such construction, highlighting the way in which the characterisation of people’s identities features in the mobilisation of group members’ opinion and action. Viewed from this angle, essentialist rhetoric and imagery is practically important for the work it accomplishes in naturalising such social and political projects. This is illustrated through reference to the ways in which the symbols, material products, histories and narratives associated with an identification provide an argumentative reserve and rhetoric for the essentialisation of identity.