Question
“Social divisions take place when social difference overlaps some other differences”. Examine in the context of Northern Ireland and Netherland.
Solution
|
Northern Ireland |
Netherlands |
|
(i) In Northern Ireland, there are overlapping social differences. Class and religion overlap with each other. If you are Catholic, you are more likely to be poor, and you may have suffered a history of discrimination. (ii) Overlapping social differences have created deep social divisions and tensions and there have been several conflicts between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland. |
(i) In Netherlands, class and religion tend to cut across each other, leading to cross-cutting social differences. Catholics and Protestants are about equally likely to be rich or poor. (ii) There are no conflicts in Netherlands as cross-cutting social differences are easier to accommodate in a society. |
