Identity Capitalists: The Powerful Insiders Who Exploit Diversity to Maintain Inequality

by Nancy Leong

Nancy Leong coins the term "identity capitalist" to label the powerful insiders who eke out social and economic value from people of color, women, LGBTQ people, the poor, and other outgroups. Leong uncovers the rules that govern a system in which all Americans must survive: the identity marketplace. She contends that the national preoccupation with diversity has, counterintuitively, allowed identity capitalists to infiltrate the legal system, educational institutions, the workplace, and the media. Using examples from law to literature, from politics to pop culture, Leong takes readers on a journey through the hidden agendas and surprising incentives of various ingroup actors. She also uncovers a dire dilemma for outgroup members: do they play along and let their identity be used by others, or do they protest and risk the wrath of the powerful?

Genres: Sociology, Nonfiction, Race, Law, Politics

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Jaylani Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book on how corporates use diversity to gain profits.

[Pavan Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diversity is a worthwhile social goal but elites have hijacked this initiative to keep themselves in power

The author coins the term “Identity Capitalist” to label powerful insiders who profit socially or economically from people of colour, women, LBGTQ people, the poor and other outgroups. These insiders are motivated by their anxiety of being labeled discriminatory or oppressive

There is a national preoccupation with diversity, as our modern society begins to reckon with the injustices of the past. Yet, the book showcases how identity capitalists have infiltrated the legal system, our educational institutions, the workplace and the media.

These elite insiders are incentivized to demonstrate their willingness to include others, but the author contends this may be done using tokenization. The dilemma that the outsider faces is internet as it can result in personal gain at the expense of the rest of the outgroup.

The book concludes with a plan to improve society by subverting the power of identity capitalists through the use of 4 principles: honesty, apologies, education and authenticity. Definitely read this great book!