Language and regions are not the only features that give a distinct identity to the people.

They can
also be slated on the basis of their physical appearances, class, religion, gender caste, tribes, etc.
Democracy responds to the social differences, divisions and inequalities on most appropriate ways.

Besides regional and social divisions, racial divisions are also prevalent in many countries. During
1968 Mexico Olympics, two black athletes draw international attention to racial discrimination
inherited in United States. The two athletes, Carlos and Smith, who won gold and bronze medals
respectively stood with clenched fists upraised and heads bowed to signify the racial discrimination in
U.S.A. They received medals weary black socks and no shoes to represent Black poverty.

Peter Norman, a white Australian athlete who won silver medal showed his support buy wearing
human rights badge on his shirt.

The International Olympic Association held both Carlos and Smith, guilty of violating Olympic Sports
by making a political statement. As a result, their medals were taken back and their act faced criticism
in their native country, U.S.A. Peter Norman faced the penalty as he was not included in next Olympic
team.

Their bold act succeeded in giving international attention for the Civil Rights Movement in U.S.

Civil Rights Movement refers to a set of events and reform movements aimed at abolishing legal racial
discrimination against African – Americans. This movement was led by Martin Luther King Junior and it
practiced non- violent methods of civil disobedience against racially discriminatory laws and practices.

Black Movement – It was a movement that emerged in 1966 to 1973. It was a rather violent and
militant movement to end racial discrimination in U.S

The above mentioned movements and activities responded to the social divisions and inequalities.
Therefore, social diversity can take different forms in different societies.

Origins of Social Difference

Social Differences are generally based on accident of birth as we don’t choose community, caste,
creed, color, tribe, etc. of our choice. We were born into it so we belong to that part of the
community. We can experience many social differences based on accident of birth in everyday life.

Sometimes, the social differences are based on our choices and not on accident of birth. The choices
we make can be of education, occupation, cultural activities, etc. All these leads to the formation of
social groups that are based on our choices. It is not necessary that every social difference leads to
social division as sometimes it also unites different peoples.

It is generally observed that people belonging to same religion to feel that they do not belong to the
same community as their caste is different.

It is also possible for people of different religions to have same caste or profession and feel close to
each other.

So, we all have more than our identity and belong to more than one social group. It is observed and
experienced that we have different identities in different contexts.

Overlapping and Cross-cutting differences

In any country, whenever social differences overlap with each other social divisions takes place. In
India, Dalits are discriminated and they tend to be poor and homeless while in U.S., blacks have been
facing discrimation. Such situations creates social division, it is when one kind of social difference
become more important than the other. People feels isolated and starts feeling that they belong to
different communities.

If social differences cross cut one another it is difficult to confront or put one group of people against
the other. It signifies the fact that groups that share a common interest on one issue are likely to be
in different sides on a different issue.

Overlapping social differences creates possibilities of deep social divisions and tensions in the country.

It is experienced that cross-cutting social differences are easier to accommodate countries with
homogeneous societies are undergoing rapid changes by the intrusion of migrants from all across the
world. Migrants brings their own culture, religion and lifestyle and tend to form different social
community.

Most countries in the world are multi-cultural.

Politics of Social Division

Social divisions affect the politics, of every county. The combination of politics and social divisions
brings hazardous and dangerous results.

The democracy, competition among political parties tend to divide any society. If these parties persist
to compete in context of existing social divisions, it can shape valiantly into political division violence
or even disintegration of a country. It has happened in many countries and still many countries are
facing such crisis. Every expression of social divisions in any country, it is easily reflected in the
political sorrow of that country.

The democracy, political parties talks about such social divisions ad make different promises to
different communities. They look after due representation of various communities and make special
policies to redress the grievances of the affected r disadvantaged communities. The social divisions
affect the voting in most of the countries. People’s votes and interests are segregated on such social
divisions; Even then it does not lead to disintegration of the country.

Three Determinants

There are three basic factors that decide the outcome of politics of social divisions. They are as
follows:-

1. The outcome depends on how people perceive their identities. If they see their identities in singular
and exclusive terms, it becomes very different to accommodate as it creates a feel of separatism in
them. If people see their identities as multiples, it becomes easier for them to accommodate as this
identity proves complementary with the national identity. In India, people tend to think themselves as
India as well as resident to a particular state or language group or social or religions community. It
helps them to stay together in peace and harmony.

2. It depends on how political leaders raise the demands of any particular community. It becomes
easier to accommodate demands that are within the constitutional framework of the nation and are
not at the cost of another community.

3. It largely depends on how the ruling government reacts to demands of different groups. If the
government willingly accepts the reasonable demands of minority communities, the possibility of
social divisions are largely reduced. On Contrary, if they suppressed them, it leads to violent conflict
and can result into civil war.

In democracy, political expressions of social division is normal and can be healthy and should not seen
as a source of danger to the nation. It allows many disadvantaged or marginalized social groups to
express their grievances and this encouraged government to attend to their problems.

The expressions of various types of social divisions in politics often leads in their canceling one
another out and thus reducing their magnitude or intensity spirit. It helps in strengthening of a
democracy in the country.

The destitute or deprived communities should raise their voices to fight against injustice. This type of
fight often takes a democratic path by voicing their demands in peaceful and constitutional manner.
Thus, seeking a fair position in the society through elections.

On contrary, social differences can take the form of unacceptable level of social inequality and
injustice. This sometimes takes the violent form and results into defiance of state power.

Democracy is the best possible way to fight for recognition and to accommodate diversity for the well
being of the peoples.