Chapter 3 - Democracy and Diversity

In Chapter 2, we read about the distribution of power and how it can be distributed to accommodate linguistic and geographic diversity. This chapter explores how democracies respond to social differences, divisions, and inequality. This chapter begins with an example of the public expression of social divisions. Then you will learn some general lessons about how social differences can take many forms. Here we have covered all these topics and summarized them in the form of Vidyakul CBSE Notes Class 10 Political Science Chapter 3 - Democracy and Diversity. You will quickly become familiar with the chapter as you browse through these notes.

Differences, similarities, and divisions

The history of the Olympic Games in Mexico provides an example of social divisions and inequality. However, there are other forms of social division in society. As we learned in the previous two chapters, regional, linguistic, and religious differences have created social divisions.

Causes of social difference

Social difference is based primarily on the probability of birth. For example, the people around us may be men or women, tall or short, of different builds, or of different physical abilities or disabilities. However, some differences depend on our choices. For example, some people are atheists. That is, they do not believe in God or any religion. Although some people believe in God. There are many options: what to study, what career to choose, and what game or cultural activity to participate in.

Social differences separate similar people from one another, but also unite very different people. People belonging to different social groups have similarities and differences that transcend groups.

Overlapping and Intersecting Difference

Social difference is a condition in which people are discriminated against because of differences in social, economic, or racial inequality, or where one class/group is given preference over another. Nesting and cross-cutting are two types of social differences.

When one kind of social difference becomes more important than another and people start to feel like they belong to different communities, it's called the overlapping difference. This leads to social fragmentation and fragmentation. For example, in India, Dalits face this type of discrimination because they come from poor families.

Overlapping social differences mean that a group that shares a common interest on one issue is likely to be on the other side of another issue. Northern Ireland and the Netherlands, for example, were predominantly Christian but were divided into Catholics and Protestants.

Politics of Social Divide

The combination of politics and social divide is very dangerous and explosive. Democracy involves competition between different parties. If they begin to compete on some aspect of existing social divisions, social divisions can turn into political divisions and lead to conflict, violence, or state collapse.

What is the scope of the social division policy?

The difference between the two main branches of Christianity in Northern Ireland, 53% Protestant and 44% Catholic, took the form of politics. Catholics were represented by a nationalist party calling for a union between the predominantly Catholic Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Protestantism was represented primarily by Unionists who wanted to stay in Protestant England. Later it took radical forms and ended in the deaths of hundreds of people.

In Yugoslavia, political competition along religious and ethnic lines led to the split of Yugoslavia into six independent states. At the same time, the expression of social differences in politics does not lead to such a catastrophe. But it affects voting in most countries, especially in India.

Three Determinants

The factors that determine the political consequences of social division are:

The outcome depends on how people perceive their identity. When people see their identity in singular and exclusive terms, it becomes very difficult to resolve.

It depends on how and what community demands are raised by political leaders. It is easier to meet demands within the framework of the Constitution without sacrificing other communities. 

It depends on how the government responds to the needs of the various groups.

The political expression of social divisions in a democracy is quite normal and can be healthy. This allows various underprivileged groups to express their dissatisfaction and bring them to the attention of the government.

Frequently asked Questions on CBSE Class 10 

Where is Mexico located?

Mexico is located in the southern portion of North America, between the United States and Central America.

Who were the ‘Dalits’?

In traditional Indian society, the former name for any member of a wide range of low-caste Hindu groups and any person outside the caste system.

Where are the majority of Roman Catholics found?

The country where the membership of the church (Roman Catholic) is the largest percentage of the population is Vatican City at 100%.