Identity Politics and Kinesiology

ABSTRACT

Recognizing the increased focus on identity politics in higher education and the broader culture, the National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education (NAKHE) recently focused on the topic of identity politics at the 2016 Leader Development Workshop. My aim in this article is to introduce and explain concepts related to identity politics, a term commonly understood to involve the ways in which various aspects of identity (e.g., race, religion, social class) may influence decision making. The term “identity politics” has become both informative as well as divisive. To this end, I want to prompt us to think about how identity politics relates to our discipline of kinesiology, especially as it pertains to those in leadership positions.

KEYWORDS:

• Diversity
• identity
• leadership
• philosophy

Acknowledgments

The author would like to express appreciation for the careful reading and insightful feedback provided by the anonymous reviewers.