El Podcast

Is Western Culture Turning Against Wokeism? (E200)

Episode Summary

Eric Kaufmann is a professor of politics at the University of Buckingham. In this conversation, he argues woke ideology evolved through three historical “awokenings,” explores how social media and institutions accelerated it, and explains why political backlash may now reshape progressive activism.

Episode Notes

A wide-ranging conversation with Eric Kaufmann about the origins of woke culture, institutional capture, generational shifts, social media, AI, and the future of progressive politics.

Guest Bio
Eric Kaufmann is a professor of politics at the University of Buckingham. He is the author of The Third Awokening and several books on identity politics, culture, nationalism, and political polarization. His work focuses on free speech, demographic change, populism, and the evolution of progressive ideology in Western societies.

Topics Discussed

• The “three awokenings” from the 1960s to today
• Social media and the spread of woke ideology
• DEI and institutional capture
• Generational differences between Boomers, Millennials, and Gen Z
• Free speech and self-censorship on campus
• Political polarization and dating/social division
• Feminization of institutions and HR culture
• The role of universities and elite institutions
• Government action versus libertarian responses to woke culture
• AI bias and the future of political discourse
• Corporate activism and consumer backlash
• The future of progressive politics in the West
• Differences between the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. on culture war issues
• Trans activism and cultural backlash
• Social contagion and identity politics
• The decline of trust in elite institutions

Main Points

• Kaufmann argues woke ideology began in the late 1960s and has evolved through three major “awokenings.”
• He believes peak woke culture occurred around 2020, but many beliefs and policies remain institutionalized.
• Social media and smartphone culture amplified and mainstreamed ideas that previously stayed mostly on college campuses.
• Younger generations are more supportive of speech restrictions and progressive identity politics than older generations.
• DEI policies are described as the institutional form of woke ideology.
• Kaufmann argues that culture—not economics—is the primary driver behind woke movements.
• He believes government intervention is necessary to roll back institutionalized progressive activism.
• The conversation explores how HR departments, universities, and corporations became vehicles for ideological enforcement.
• AI could either reinforce ideological bias or help restore a more evidence-based culture depending on how it develops.
• Both Kaufmann and Jesse discuss whether the West may be reaching the end of a 60-year progressive era.

Top 3 Quotes

1. “Woke is making sacred of historically marginalized race, gender and sexual identity groups.” — Eric Kaufmann
2. “If you don’t use government, the woke win.” — Eric Kaufmann
3. “Social media didn’t create woke culture, but it poured gasoline on it.” — Jesse summarizing Kaufmann’s argument

Books Discussed

• The Third Awokening — Eric Kaufmann
• Woke Inc. — Vivek Ramaswamy
• The Origins of Political Order (referenced conceptually through institutional discussion)
• Works and ideas from Thomas Sowell
• Works and ideas from Jonathan Haidt
• References to Richard Hanania and his work on affirmative action and institutions