Introduction

• Societies across the world are socially diverse based on race, religion, language, ethnicity, and caste.
• Democracy allows people from diverse backgrounds to coexist peacefully.
• However, social differences can sometimes lead to conflicts.

A Story from Mexico Olympics (1968) – Racial Discrimination in the USA

The Incident

• Tommie Smith and John Carlos, two African-American athletes, won gold and bronze medals in the 200m race at the 1968 Mexico Olympics.
• During the medal ceremony, they raised their fists wearing black gloves – a symbol of the Black Power Movement against racial discrimination in the USA.
• Peter Norman, a white Australian athlete, supported them by wearing a human rights badge.

Consequences

• Smith and Carlos were expelled from the Olympics and faced social and economic hardships.
• Peter Norman was also punished by his country.
• However, their protest inspired the global fight for racial equality.

Democracy provides space for peaceful protests, allowing people to raise their voices against discrimination.

Differences, Similarities, and Divisions in Society

Social differences are natural and present in all societies. They can be based on:

• Birth – Religion, ethnicity, caste (e.g., White and Black people in the USA).
• Choices – Education, occupation, political beliefs (e.g., people choosing to be socialist or capitalist).

Overlapping Social Differences

• One social difference reinforces another, leading to division and discrimination.
• In USA – African-Americans are more likely to be poor and face discrimination.
• In India – Dalits face both caste discrimination and economic inequality.
• Effect: Overlapping differences often lead to social tensions and conflicts.

Cross-Cutting Social Differences

• Different social groups share common interests in some areas while being different in others.
• In Netherlands, both Catholics and Protestants are equally rich or poor, reducing social tensions.
• Effect: Cross-cutting differences reduce social conflicts as no single group is disadvantaged in all aspects.

Politics of Social Divisions

• Social divisions become political when they are expressed in demands and protests.
• Example:
  • Northern Ireland (UK) – Conflict between Protestants (majority) and Catholics (minority) led to violence.
  • Yugoslavia (1990s) – Ethnic conflict led to the breakup of the country.

However, not all social divisions lead to conflict. It depends on:

• How people perceive their identity – If they feel discriminated against, conflict arises.
• Political leaders’ response – If leaders encourage division, conflicts increase.
• Strength of democracy – A strong democracy accommodates diversity peacefully.

Three Key Factors That Determine the Outcome of Social Divisions in Politics

How People See Their Identities

• If people have multiple identities and don’t strongly identify with one group, social divisions are weaker.
• Example: In India, people identify as Indians first, reducing caste-based conflicts.

How Political Leaders Respond to Social Divisions

• Positive Example: Nelson Mandela in South Africa united black and white people.
• Negative Example: Adolf Hitler in Germany promoted racial hatred, leading to genocide.

How the Government Handles Social Divisions

• A democratic government should accommodate all groups fairly.
• If the government ignores or suppresses differences, conflicts arise.

Case Studies: Social Divisions and Democracy

Northern Ireland (Conflict Due to Social Divisions)

• Catholics (44%) wanted to join Ireland, while Protestants (53%) wanted to remain in the UK.
• This led to violent conflicts for decades.
• In 1998, the Good Friday Agreement was signed, leading to peace.

Yugoslavia (Breakup Due to Ethnic Conflicts)

• Different ethnic groups like Serbs, Croats, and Muslims fought for power.
• This led to the dissolution of Yugoslavia into multiple countries.

Belgium (Successful Power Sharing to Prevent Conflicts)

• Dutch and French-speaking groups had conflicts but resolved them through power-sharing arrangements.

Does Every Social Difference Lead to a Social Division?

• No, not all differences result in division and conflict.
• Social differences become divisions when they are combined with discrimination and inequality.
• Example:
  • In India, caste-based discrimination can create divisions.
  • In Switzerland, multiple languages coexist peacefully without conflict.

Democracy and Diversity Can Coexist

• Democracies must accommodate social diversity while ensuring equal rights.
• Countries with inclusive policies and strong institutions can handle diversity peacefully.
• Lesson: Democracy is successful when it respects and accommodates diversity.

Conclusion

• Social differences exist in every society, but their impact depends on how they are handled.
• Overlapping differences cause conflicts, while cross-cutting differences promote unity.
• Social divisions can become political, leading to either peaceful change or violent conflict.
• Democracies must balance diversity with equality to avoid social tensions.
• Examples like Belgium and Yugoslavia show different outcomes of social diversity in democracy.