In this module, you will learn about the numerous dimensions of identity along which individuals categorize themselves. The module focuses on the traditional ways of identifying oneself and introduces the new dimensions which have gained salience in the current world. You will learn how social context determines the subset of identity one chooses to manifest at any given time and how the norms essentially overlap across dimensions.

In this module, you will learn how identities and identity groups affect society. The module begins with an introduction to a set of tools for the analysis and their application in understanding the consequences of identity formation at various levels of society. Starting at the personal level, the module examines the levels of social integration and discusses how some counterintuitive decisions can be rational.

In this module, you will learn about the various forms of affirmative action as a policy response to the underrepresentation of minorities in government positions and educational institutes. You will learn the concepts and the essential need for affirmative action policies. You will explore the common ways various societies have implemented affirmative action policies, elaborated with illustrations from worldwide examples.

In this module, you will critically analyze the affirmative action policies for minorities and socio-economically backward communities. You will learn how to evaluate these policies in terms of short-run and long-run outcomes. You will gain insight into how the same policy can have very different outcomes when applied to different identity dimensions, elaborated with illustrative examples.

This module focuses on identity politics. You will gain an in-depth understanding of cultural and political environments conducive to identity groups asserting themselves. You will explore worldwide examples to recognize why some cultures are more receptive to identity-based politics and eventually identity-based policies while others are not. You will also learn about the short-term and long-term consequences of such policies.

In this module, you will explore identities that manifest at the national level. You will learn about the history of national identities and nationalism. You will explore the internal and external consequences of nationalism and their consequences on immigration. You will also learn how within-country identity dimensions come together at the national and international levels.