A review by fellowtraveler
Elite Capture: How the Powerful Took Over Identity Politics (and Everything Else) by Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò

3.0

Elite Capture offers an effective critique of deference politics, the practice of elites directing attention toward members of disadvantaged groups as a performance of sensitivity or progress. Olúfẹ́mi argues that dynamic tends to be a contrived redistribution of attention, but usually doesn't result in a material redistribution of resources, and is largely directed by the same elites. Instead, Olúfẹ́mi proposes a constructive politics that increases the agency and material access to resources for those disadvantaged groups.

I liked the focus on elite capture, which was novel to me. I followed the theory, but I wasn't able to make the connection with some of the historical examples. Nevertheless, it was an engaging and easy read.