Politics of Recognition: Identity, Power, and Representation

Abstract: The growing prominence of identity-based political mobilization has reshaped democratic discourse across societies. Central to this transformation is the politics of recognition, which emphasizes the demand of social groups for acknowledgment, dignity, and institutional inclusion. This paper examines the relationship between identity, power, and political representation through an analytical framework of recognition. Drawing on theoretical debates and the Indian experience, it argues that recognition-based politics has functioned both as an emancipatory mechanism for historically marginalized groups and as a source of new political tensions. The study situates identity politics within broader democratic structures, exploring how claims for recognition intersect with state power, constitutional principles, and representative institutions. It concludes that while the politics of recognition has expanded democratic participation, its effectiveness depends on balancing recognition with redistributive justice and inclusive governance.