Question

Why do you think it was said that politics is about power sharing and power struggle?What are the manifestations of this in our society?

Answer 1

If parties in intractable conflicts -- particularly in societies divided by deep ethnic, racial or religious differences -- find that they are unable to escalate their way out of conflict, but seek a compromise that assures them a permanent place at the bargaining table, they may turn to power sharing as a potential solution

Answer 2

Answer:

POLITICS IS ABOUT POWER SHARING AND POWER STRUGGLE :

Following points can be given in the support of above statement:

• Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy. A democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise, and who have to live with its effects. People have a right to be consulted on how they are to be governed.

• Power sharing is good because it helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. Since social conflict often leads to violence and political instability, power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order.

Power sharing in Sri Lanka ( Case of power struggle)

• The leaders of the Sinhala community sought to secure dominance over government by virtue of their majority. As a result, the democratically elected government adopted a series of majoritarian measures to establish Sinhala supremacy.  

• The governments followed preferential policies that favoured Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs. The Sri Lankan Tamils were sidelined and no political party was willing to do anything for them which ultimately led to a civil war between both communities in which thousands were killed.

Power sharing in Belgium ( Case of Power sharing)

• The Belgian leaders recognised the existence of regional differences and cultural diversities. Between 1970 and 1993, they amended their constitution four times so as to work out an arrangement that would enable everyone to live together within the same country.

Following are the various manifestations of politics in our society:

• Politics is the way that people living in groups make decisions. Politics is about making agreements between people so that they can live together in groups such as tribes, cities, or countries. These people are called politicians. Politicians, and other people,get together to form a government.
• Political changes lead to redistribution of power and thus brings social change in the society. Religious beliefs and norms help organise society like the bhakti movement influencing social structure in medieval India. Evolution of new ideas can also lead to social change.

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