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Introduction: We’re a Divided Nation
American society has witnessed a noticeable rise in tribalism. And, it’s not just a political phenomenon but has permeated all aspects of cultural, social, and academic life. Tribalism, in this context, refers to the strong identification with and loyalty to a particular group, often to the exclusion of other views.Â
As people increasingly divide themselves along ideological, cultural, racial, and even geographical lines, the sense of a shared national identity has weakened, giving rise to a more fragmented society. This division has led to a rise in moral relativism, where truth and morality are seen as subjective and tied to one’s group identity.Â
Contributing to this phenomenon are academic frameworks such as Critical Theory (CT) and Critical Race Theory (CRT), which have amplified certain aspects of group identity and power dynamics. This essay explores how tribalism has evolved in the United States, its divisive effects, its relationship to relativism, and how CT and CRT have contributed to the entrenchment of tribal identities.
What is Tribalism…exactly?
At its core, tribalism is a deeply ingrained social behavior; individuals exhibit loyalty to their “tribe”—a group with which they identify, often defined by shared values, beliefs, ethnicity, or political views. Historically, humans have organized themselves into tribes or groups for survival, security, and cultural identity. Even today, tribal instincts persist in new forms, particularly in politics, social movements, and online communities.
In America, tribalism has become increasingly visible in the political landscape, with conservatives and liberals often viewing one another not as enemies. There is a deepening partisan polarization. Political affiliations have become our identities rather than just platforms for policy debate.Â
The intensity of this division is amplified by media outlets, social media algorithms, and partisan echo chambers that reinforce group loyalty… by curating content that affirms one’s pre-existing beliefs and vilifies opposing viewpoints. As a result, dialogue and compromise—essential elements of democratic society—become increasingly rare.
This modern form of tribalism has profound consequences. First, it fosters a sense of “us versus them” that fuels hostility and distrust between different social and political groups. Secondly, it limits individual critical thinking, as members of a tribe are often discouraged from questioning the views of their group. Thirdly, it results in an erosion of shared national identity, as people increasingly define themselves by their sub-group and its perceived grievances or aspirations, rather than seeing themselves as part of a larger, diverse American community.
How Tribalism Divides Us
The division caused by tribalism in America is multifaceted, affecting politics, race relations, and even cultural discourse. Politically, America has seen an increasing divide between the left and right, where partisan identity often supersedes any objective analysis of issues. Compromise, once the bedrock of American political governance, has become almost impossible as the “tribes” entrench themselves and view any concession as weakness or betrayal. This leads to policy paralysis and an inability to address critical national issues.
Moreover, tribalism has deepened racial and cultural divides. In some instances, racial identity has been elevated to a central element of political discourse, which can perpetuate a sense of division. While it is important to address historical injustices and systemic inequalities, the emphasis on racial identity as a primary mode of interaction can lead to further separation between groups rather than mutual understanding.Â
The concept of intersectionality, which comes from CRT, plays a role here by highlighting how various aspects of identity (race, gender, sexuality) intersect to create unique experiences of oppression. While valuable in understanding complexity, this framework can also encourage individuals to primarily see others through the lens of group identity, potentially alienating those who do not share those experiences.
Culturally, tribalism has also seeped into everyday life. Cultural products—such as films, books, or even sports—are increasingly viewed through a political lens. This has led to “culture wars,” where everyday choices or statements are seen as signals of one’s loyalty to a particular tribe. This phenomenon is particularly evident on social media platforms, where cultural symbols, hashtags, and memes become markers of group identity, fueling further division.
Tribalism and Relativism
One of the most concerning consequences of rising tribalism is its relationship with moral and epistemological relativism. In an increasingly fragmented society, different groups not only hold different opinions but often have entirely different perceptions of reality. This shift towards relativism is particularly dangerous because it undermines the possibility of any shared understanding of truth or justice.
Relativism, in this context, refers to the belief that there is no objective truth or morality, only varying perspectives depending on one’s group identity or social position. Under the influence of tribalism, individuals come to view truth as something that is relative to their tribe. This makes it difficult to engage in meaningful debate or compromise, as each group believes its perspective is the only valid one, and opposing viewpoints are dismissed as inherently biased or wrong.
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This epistemic relativism has been exacerbated by the rise of postmodernist thought, which questions the existence of objective reality and absolute truths. Critical Theory, with its roots in postmodernism, contributes to this trend by emphasizing the idea that knowledge and truth are socially constructed. While this critique can be useful in uncovering power dynamics and questioning dominant narratives, it also risks undermining the very concept of shared truth. When combined with tribalism, this leads to a situation where different groups hold entirely incompatible views of the world, making productive dialogue nearly impossible.
Critical Theory and the Rise of Tribalism
Critical Theory (CT) originated with the Marxist Frankfurt School in the mid-20th century. It has played a significant role in shaping contemporary academic and social discourse. CT seeks to critique and challenge existing power structures, often focusing on issues of class, race, and gender. It argues that societal structures and cultural norms are not neutral but are instead shaped by those in power to maintain their dominance.
First, CT emphasizes group identity(identity politics)—particularly marginalized identities—over individual agency. It encourages people to see themselves in terms of their group membership (e.g., race, gender, class) and to interpret their experiences through the lens of oppression or privilege. This framework can foster a sense of solidarity within marginalized groups. But it can also encourage a zero-sum view of society where different groups are locked in a perpetual struggle for power and recognition. As a result, individuals may feel more loyal to their “tribe” than to any larger societal or national identity.
Second, CT often frames societal issues in terms of systemic oppression, which can lead to an adversarial relationship between different groups. For example, the critique of capitalism, patriarchy, and white supremacy—core elements of CT—posits that these systems are inherently exploitative and oppressive. While this critique can offer important insights into how power operates, it can also foster resentment and distrust between groups, particularly if individuals feel that they are being unfairly blamed for systemic issues.
Furthermore, CT’s critique of power structures leads to a rejection of traditional norms and institutions. For example, some proponents of CT argue that the rule of law, free speech, and other democratic principles are merely tools of the dominant group to maintain control. While it is important to critically examine these institutions, outright rejection of them can undermine the possibility of finding common ground or working together to address societal problems. This erosion of shared values and norms is another factor contributing to the rise of tribalism in America.
The Role of Critical Race Theory
Critical Race Theory (CRT), a subset of Critical Theory, focuses on issues of race and racism in society. CRT emerged in the 1970s and 1980s as a response to the perceived limitations of traditional civil rights approaches, which emphasized colorblindness and equal treatment under the law. CRT argues that racism is not just an individual problem but a systemic one, embedded in legal and social structures.
It has also contributed to the rise of tribalism in several ways. Like CT, CRT emphasizes group identity, particularly racial identity, as a central element of social analysis. This can lead to a heightened sense of racial solidarity and a focus on racial grievances. There is an overemphasis on racial identity that can deepen racial divides and create a sense of competition between different racial groups.
Additionally, CRT’s emphasis on systemic racism leads to a pessimistic view of race relations. Progress is seen as impossible within the existing framework. This sense of hopelessness can foster further division, as individuals may feel that their only option is to align with their racial “tribe” in opposition to other groups. Moreover, CRT’s critique of liberal concepts such as meritocracy and equal treatment can alienate those who believe in these principles, further entrenching divisions.
Finally, CRT’s focus on race can sometimes lead to a form of racial essentialism, where individuals are defined primarily by their racial identity. This essentialism contributes to the rise of tribalism by encouraging individuals to view themselves and others primarily through the lens of race, rather than as complex individuals with multiple intersecting identities.
Conclusion
The rise of tribalism in America is a deeply concerning trend with far-reaching consequences for social cohesion, political discourse, and the pursuit of justice. As people increasingly identify with their tribes—whether political, racial, or cultural—the possibility of meaningful dialogue and compromise diminishes. This tribalism has contributed to the rise of moral and epistemological relativism, where truth and morality are seen as subjective and group-dependent.
Critical Theory and Critical Race Theory have played a significant role in this shift by emphasizing group identity, power dynamics, and systemic oppression. They contribute to a sense of division and adversarial relationships between different groups. As America continues to grapple with these issues, it is crucial to find ways to bridge the gaps between different tribes and restore a sense of shared national identity and common purpose.
And, the band played on…
