Q.Explain overlapping and cross cutting social difference.
Answers
1) Overlapping social differences or social divisions - These social differences are said to happen when a community sees itself as better than the other communities, or they enjoy some special priveledges and statuses in the society. The more powerful and majority community tries to supress the weaker and minority community. These differences are also known as social divisions. Take the example of USA. The blacks in USA tend to be poor, suppressed and discriminated. The whites tend to be more powerful and rich.
2) Cross cutting social differences or simply social differences - These social differences are said to happen when two or more communities exists in a society, but they do not see themselves as the better one. The communities tend to live in peace, and the differences do not affect the relations between the comunities. Take the example of Northern Ireland and the Netherlands. The population of both the countries have 2 major communities - the Roman Catholics and the Protestants. While the Catholics are weaker and poorer in Northern Ireland, in Netherlands both the communities are equal. This has led to social conflicts in Norther Ireland, but peace in the Netherlands. Here the example of Northern Ireland is that of social division, and that of the Netherlands is of cross cutting social difference.
Hope this helps!!
Over lapping social difference
If social differences overlap each other it may lead to social division and if one social difference is given preference then people would begin to think that they belong to different community. It always leads to social division and disintegration of the country. Example:- USA: The blacks are discriminated by the whites due to their poverty (racial discrimination).
Cross cutting social difference
If social difference cross-cut each other we would find it difficult to find which group is against the other. These groups may have similar views on some issues and different on other issues. It encourages diversity and accommodates unity. 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