Discuss three factors that determine the outcomes of politics of social divisions.
The three factors which are essential in deciding the outcomes of polities of social divisions are:
a) People’s perception: This is one of the most important factor as it decides the outcomes of politics of social divisions. It is also very important to see people perceiving their identities. This also helps them to stay together.
b) Representation of a community: Many political leaders represent a community and constitutionally raise their demands which make it easy to accommodate.
c) Government’s reaction to such demands: The outcome of politics of social divisions also depends upon how the government responds to demands of various social groups. Also if the reasonable demands of a community are suppressed by the government then it leads to division in the society
When does a social difference become a social division?
When one kind of social difference becomes more important than the other and people start feeling that they belong to different communities then this social difference leads to social division. Also, when social difference leads to exclusionist approach among people it leads to social division.
How do social divisions affect politics? Give two examples.
Social divisions affect politics both in negative as well as positive way. These are:
Negative Impact: In a democratic country like India there is competition between various political parties and this competition sometimes tends to divide different social groups and society.
e.g.: Northern Ireland of the United Kingdom have been for many years, the site of a violent and bitter ethno-political conflict. Its population is divided into two major sections of Christianity- 53% Protestants and 44% Catholics. Catholics were represented by the Nationalist parties who demanded Northern Ireland to be unified with the Republic of the Unionist who wanted to remain with UK, which is predominantly protestant. Hundreds of civilians and militants were killed in the fight between Unionists and Nationalists.
Positive Impact: In politics every decision does not have its negative impact. In democracy it is only natural that political parties would talk about social divisions, make different promises to different communities, look after due representation of various communities and policies to redress the grievances of disadvantaged communities
______ (a) ______ Social differences create possibilities of deep social divisions and tensions.
______ (b) ______ Social differences do not usually lead to conflicts.
(a) Overlapping
(b) cross-cutting
In dealing with social divisions which one of the following statements is Not correct about democracy?
A. Due to political competition in a democracy, social divisions get reflected in politics.
B. In a democracy it is possible for communities to voice their grievances in a peaceful manner.
C. Democracy is the best way to accommodate social diversity.
D. Democracy always leads to disintegration of social on the basis of social divisions.
As we know that, democracy is the form of government which is of the people, for the people and by the people. Also, Democracy is a means for the people to choose their leaders and to hold their leaders accountable for their policies and their conduct in office
In above given statements points (a), (b) and (c) clearly talks in favour of democracy but point (d) is incorrect as democracy never leads to disintegration of social on the basis of social divisions
Hence, option (d) is not correct about democracy
Consider the following three statements.
A) Social divisions take place when social differences overlap.
B) It is possible that a person can have multiple identities.
C) Social divisions exist in only big countries like India.
Which of the statements is / are correct?
A. A, B and C
B. A and B
C. B and C
D. only C
As we know that, the social division takes place when social differences overlap and it is also possible that a person can have multiple identities. But, it is not correct that social divisions exist only in big countries like India.
Therefore, statements A and B are correct whereas C is incorrect. Hence, option (b) is correct
Arrange the following statements in a logical sequence and select the right answers by using the code given below.
A) But all political expression of social divisions need not be always dangerous.
B) Social divisions of one kind or the other exist in most countries.
C) Parties try to win political support by appealing to social divisions.
D) Some social differences may result in social divisions.
A. D, B, C, A
B. D, B, A, C
C. D, A, C, B
D. A, B, C, D
Logical sequence of the above given statements is as follows:
D. Some social differences may result in social divisions
B. Social divisions of one kind or the other exist in most countries
C. Parties try to win political support by appealing to social divisions
A. But all political expression of social divisions need not be always dangerous
Hence, option (a) is correct
Among the following, which country suffered disintegration due to political fights on the basis of religious and ethnic identities?
A. Belgium
B. India
C. Yugoslavia
D. Netherlands
The country which suffered disintegration due to political fights on the basis of religious and ethnic identities is Yugoslavia.
Hence, option (c) is correct
Read the following passage from a famous speech by Martin Luther King Jr. in 1963, Which social division is he talking about? What are his aspirations and anxieties? Do you see a relationship between this speech and the incident in Mexico Olympics mentioned in this chapter?
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content f their character. Let freedom ring. And when this happens, and when we allow freedom ring-when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children-black men and white men, jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics-will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: ‘Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!’ I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of this creed: ‘ we hold these truths to be self-evident: That all men are created equal’.”
In this passage Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. is talking about racism in USA. He is referring to the segregation policies adopted by the Whites towards the colored people. He hopes that one day the freedom ring will ring. He has also a dream that his four children will rule the nation one day and they will not be discriminated on the basis of their skin color.
Yes, there is also a relationship between his speech and Mexico Olympics as in both the cases there is racial discrimination.