BETWEEN IDENTITY POLITICS AND THE POLITICS OF DIFFERENCE: UNDERSTANDING STRUCTURAL INJUSTICE IN MUSLIM MINDANAO

Abstract

Difference politics looks into institutional rules, norms and practices that reinforce the positional inequalities in society. This imbalance in the socio-economic structure gives undue favor to those who are at the top of the hierarchy. To rectify this injustice, unjust structures should be dismantled, and replaced with inclusive mechanisms and policies. Identity politics focuses on recognizing the unfair and unequal treatment of minorities. Group-differentiated rights empower people. But there exists a gap because political representation is not enough to alter the deeply embedded societal inequalities. Using the Bangsamoro as a case in point, it is argued that to address the problem, the roots of the historical injustice against Muslim Filipinos and Lumads must be traced. To create a just society in the Bangsamoro, inclusive institutions must be built based on the framework of holistic peacebuilding.