Uncertain Identities

In western liberal countries, it seems easier today than ever before to leave culturally predetermined patterns behind. And yet, an identity constructed without the guarantee for security provided by tradition also harbours many dangers in a politically contested sphere. While disenfranchised groups campaign for pluralism, heterogeneity and a lived scope of divergence, others arm themselves for battles of identity politics. What has made national, sexual, religious and cultural identities so prone to interference today?