Politics of and Without Difference Essay -- Politics Political Multicu

Politics of and Without Difference The sociological concepts of "Politics of Difference" and "Politics Without Difference" are more similar than their names suggest, but they are at the same time extremely different. Both political ideals come from progressive civil rights principles beginning during the Enlightenment in Europe and evolving throughout The Civil Rights Movement in the United States in the 60's. The fundamental basis of the two concepts is that all people are created equal, and that all people should have equal political and civil rights. The disagreement between proponents of these two concepts begins with the question "Is it possible that the ideal of equal treatment of all persons under the law and the attempt to eliminate group differences under the law in fact perpetuates oppression of certain groups?" (Harris, 1995). Supporters of the ideal of "Politics of Difference" argue that the answer to this question is yes. Without minimizing the value of the concept of assimilation central to the "Politics Without Difference" ideal, the supporters of "Politics of Difference" feel that it has at times prevented full equality for some oppressed groups. By definition, the ideal of "Politics Without Difference" is a concept of total assimilation of every group so that no readily identifiable majority is evident. Supporters promote the equal treatment of all groups as the primary way to achieve justice. This concept asserts the equal moral worth of all persons (regardless of their group characteristics) and the right of all to participate in the institutions of society (Harris). Supporters of "Politics of Difference", while conceding the value of the ideal, contend that it has not truly liberated some oppressed g... ...ferences will always be a major factor in Texas school policy development. South Texas must lead the way for the rest of the state in truly including every group and overcoming cultural differences. Stakes are higher here than in any other region in Texas. The futures of generations of children in Texas are our legacy whether we win or lose in our efforts to meet everyone's needs. References Astuto, T. A., Clark, D. L., Read, A. McGree, K., Fernandez, L. P., (1994). Roots of reform: Challenging the assumptions that control change in education. P. 26. Phi Delta Kappa Educational Foundation. Bloomington, Indiana. Kerchis, C., Z., and Young, I., M., (1995). Social movements and the politics of difference. In D. A. Harris (Ed.), Multiculturalism from the margins: Non-dominant voices on difference and diversity (pp. 1-28). Westport, Conn., Bergin and Garvey.