Question

How is that religious differences created social division in Northern Ireland and failed to do the same in Netherland ? Explain.

Answer 1

Religious differences created social division in Northern Ireland because here class and religion overlap with each other. Here Catholics are considered to be poor and are regarded to have suffered a history of discrimination. Such overlapping social differences create deep social divisions and conflicts.

But, on the other hand, in Netherlands, class and religion tend to cut cross each other. Here Catholics and Protestants are equally likely to be rich or poor. There is no sharp class discrimination as in case of Northern Ireland. Hence, conflicts failed to arise here inspite of the existence of religious difference.Crosscutting social differences are easier to accomodate.