Democracy and Diversity

Quickly browse through questions and notes on related topics. You can also download and read this topic offline.

• Questions
• Summary

The examples of Belgium and Sri Lanka show both regional and social divisions. In the case of Belgium, we noted that people who live in different regions speak different languages. In Sri Lanka, we noted linguistic as well as religious differences. Thus social diversity can take different forms in different societies.

1. Social differences are mostly based on an accident of birth. Some of the differences are based on our choices.
2. By Birth- Normally we do not choose to belong to our community, we belong to it simply because we are born into it.
3. By choices- Some people are atheists-they do not believe in God or any religion, some choose to follow a religion other than in which they were born.
4. It is not necessary that all social differences should lead to social divisions. People belonging to different social groups share differences and similarities, which cut across all political boundaries.

1. Social divisions take place when some social difference overlaps with other differences.
2. The difference between Blacks and Whites becomes a social division in US because the Blacks tend to be poor, homeless and discriminated against.
3. When one kind of social difference become more important than the other, this produces social divisions. In Northern Ireland, class and religion overlap with each other.
4. If social differences cross cut one another, it is difficult to pit one group of people against the other. In Netherlands class and religion tend to cut across each other.