Question

how is overlapping different from cross - cutting

Answer 1

#In overlapping social difference one social difference overlaps other differences, while in cross cutting social differences one social difference cross cuts author difference and these groups may have similar views on one issue while different thoughts on other issues..
#Example:- USA: The blacks are discriminated by the whites due to their poverty (racial discrimination).
Example:- NETHERLAND: The main religion here is Christianity. They have division as Catholics and Protestants. Here class and religion cross-cut each other. Neither of them are rich or poor and do not have conflict between them.

Answer 2

Overlapping differences:
takes place when one social difference tend to overlap with many other social differences.
For example, in USA there is a difference between blacks and whites. Blacks tend to be historically poor, backward, homeless and they were discriminated based on their racial appearances. In India, the dalits tend to be poor and landless and face discrimination and injustice.
These kinds of situations produce social divisions which are harmful for democracy. They weaken the basic foundation of democracy.
When one kind of social difference become more important than anyother, people tend to feel that they belong to different communities and this can also lead to disintegration of the country.

Cross cutting difference:
People share common interest on one issue but are likely to be on a different side on another issue. This type of a social division is easier to accommodate.
For example, Netherlands and Northern ireland are predominantly divided as chatholics and protestants. In Northern Ireland, class and religion overlap eachother. Catholics are generally poor and have suffered a history of discrimination. In Netherlands, class and religion tend to cut across each other. catholics and protestants are equally rich or poor. The catholics and protestants have conflicts in Northern ireland.


Overlapping difference create possibilities of deep social divisions and tensions in the society.