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How does overlapping of social differences lead to social division? Why is it easier to accommodate cross-cutting differences than overlapping differences?

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Overlapping of social differences occurs when some social difference overlaps other difference. Situations of this kind produce social divisions, when one kind of social difference becomes more important than the other and people start feeling that they belong to different communities. For example, difference between Blacks and Whites in the United States becomes a social division because Blacks tend to be poor and landless, and often face injustice and discrimination. In our country, dalits tend to be poor and landless and often face injustice and discrimination. Overlapping differences create possibility of deep social divisions and tensions. Whereas cross-cutting differences occur when social differences cross-cut one another, it is difficult to pit group of people against the other. It means that groups that share a common interest on the issue are likely to be on different sides on a different issue. For example, Northern Ireland and the Netherlands, both, are predominantly Christians but divided between Catholics and Protestants. In Northern Ireland, class and religion overlap each other, if Catholics tend to be poor and have suffered discrimination whereas in Netherland, class and religion tend to cross-cut each other and both are equally likely to be rich or poor. It means they have conflict in Northern Ireland and it is not so in the Netherlands. Cross-cut social differences are easier to accommodate.

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