The concept of identity has played a crucial role in shaping American society, evolving dramatically from the 1950s to the era of Generation Z. This evolution is closely tied to the rise and transformation of identity politics, which began as a unifying framework for shared struggles, but eventually fragmented and diffused into the multifaceted and fluid understandings of identity we see today.
The 1950s: Unity as “American”
In the post-World War II era, the Traditionalist generation (born 1900–1945) embodied a collective sense of identity rooted in the shared experience of the war, economic recovery, and the promise of the American Dream. National unity and patriotism were central, with “American” serving as a powerful, overarching identity. This was reinforced by cultural homogeneity, conformity, and dominant narratives about race, gender roles, and class.
However, this unity was exclusive and often oppressive. Marginalized groups, including African Americans, women, and LGBTQ individuals, were forced to suppress their distinct identities to conform to the broader societal norms. The civil rights movement of the late 1950s and 1960s began to challenge this enforced homogeneity, planting the seeds of identity politics as we understand it today.
The 1960s–1980s: The Rise of Identity Politics
The Baby Boomers (born 1946–1964) grew up during the civil rights movement, second-wave feminism, and the anti-war protests of the 1960s and 1970s. These decades saw the emergence of identity politics as a framework for activism, where marginalized groups organized around shared experiences of oppression to demand equality and justice.
Movements led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Gloria Steinem, and Harvey Milk emphasized the importance of identity in shaping lived experiences. African Americans, women, LGBTQ communities, and other groups used identity as a source of empowerment and collective action. The focus was on affirming one’s unique identity while demanding inclusion in the broader American identity.
Yet, even as these movements gained momentum, identity politics began to reveal its potential for fragmentation. While the shared struggle against oppression united many, internal divisions based on class, gender, and ideology emerged, foreshadowing the tensions that would define the late 20th century.
The 1990s and Early 21st Century: Fragmentation and Polarization
By the time Generation X (born 1965–1980) and Millennials (born 1981–1996) came of age, identity politics had become increasingly fragmented. The 1990s, often referred to as the “culture wars” era, saw the expansion of identity politics into academia, where postmodern and critical theory frameworks emphasized the intersectionality of race, gender, sexuality, and class.
This period was marked by both progress and division. On the one hand, greater attention was paid to intersectionality, recognizing that identities are complex and multifaceted. On the other hand, the emphasis on specific group identities sometimes led to polarization, with identity politics increasingly framed as a zero-sum game.
Cultural and political debates over affirmative action, LGBTQ rights, and immigration further polarized society. Identity, once a tool for collective action, became a source of division, as competing narratives of victimhood and privilege emerged. Millennials, in particular, grew up in a world where identity was both celebrated and weaponized, leading to a sense of disillusionment among some and a doubling down on identity-based activism among others.
Generation Z: Diffusion and Fluidity
Generation Z (born 1997–2012) has inherited a world deeply shaped by the legacies of identity politics but has also begun to redefine the concept of identity itself. Growing up in an era of social media, globalization, and climate crises, Gen Z has embraced a more fluid and intersectional understanding of identity.
Unlike previous generations, Gen Z is less likely to see identity as fixed or binary. Concepts like gender fluidity, multiculturalism, and global citizenship reflect a shift away from rigid identity categories. For many in this generation, identity is not just about who you are but how you connect with others across differences.
This diffusion of identity politics has its strengths and challenges. On the one hand, Gen Z’s approach to identity is more inclusive and adaptable, allowing for greater empathy and collaboration. On the other hand, the sheer complexity of modern identities can make collective action more difficult, as shared goals and narratives become harder to define.
Conclusion
From the unity of “American” identity in the 1950s to the fragmentation of identity politics in the late 20th century and the fluidity of identity embraced by Generation Z, the evolution of identity in the United States reflects broader societal changes. While identity politics has played a crucial role in advancing justice and equality, its future will depend on finding ways to balance individuality with collective solidarity. As Generation Z comes of age, their reimagining of identity may offer new paths forward in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.
© Earl Smith