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3.9 Challenges of Political and Social Cleavages

4 min readdecember 29, 2022

kelly-cotton

kelly-cotton

I

Isabela Padilha Vilela

kelly-cotton

kelly-cotton

I

Isabela Padilha Vilela

Unit 3 - Challenges of Political and Social Cleavages

You read in the previous guide about the importance of studying and saw how they play a role in each of our core countries. In this guide you will learn more about the difficulties that they pose to their governments. You must keep in mind that play a role in a government, no matter what type of regime it is. Even the most stable have seen the emergence of radical/terrorists religious elements that sprung from long-term cleavages. and all have cleavages, but the difference is how these governments deal with them.

3.9: Challenges of Political and Social Cleavages

How do cleavages affect governments?

  • Conflicting interests and competition among groups and political parties 🆚

In the previous guide we discussed the concept of coinciding cleavages, which can lead to complex and multifaceted conflicts in society. Many times, these groups form parties that are picking against another specific party. This can can cause in the political system, but it may also be resolved through . 🗣

Example: The grew its activity after the signing of the - the free trade agreement between the US, Mexico and Canada - because they believed that it would harm . However, there were also other groups that believed that it was an excellent advancement for Mexico to be more integrated in the world market.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-PqlOnTarkDXh.jpeg?alt=media&token=285f5b0c-439c-4cda-b91f-8c04718446a6

  • Perceived lack of and 🤨

The emergence of cleavages may also affect the perception of the government, which causes these groups to want more from the state or a complete separation from it. The lack of control of the government over these groups may also cause a perception of lack of authority.

Example: In the UK, there has been a growing sentiment among the Scottish people for full separation from the mainland. The countries share a complex history, having shared a monarchy since the 14th Century. But, Scotland has its own legal system, government and cultural identity. The process of the BREXIT has increased these tensions, and the Scottish National Party continues to advocate for a second independence referendum.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F2AMNED9-2DNandiElA1y.jpeg?alt=media&token=3ec583bf-9a6f-40e8-8280-822bc2b73a53

  • Pressure for /, , , and ⚠️

In many cases, some long-term cleavages gather hard power and may become a threat to other cleavages, the government, and even the population as a whole.

Example: in Nigeria has grown so much in popularity and power, that it has become a great threat to Nigerians. Their fight to instill a government that follows the in Nigeria is violent and has resulted in many .

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2FNigeria-Areas-Boko-Haram-PIt2ZfGQ22n2.webp?alt=media&token=144df7b0-7dc4-4286-a933-464d6fa9ff42

  • that sense government weakness and vulnerability 😧

As mentioned above, the emergence of divisions may cause the government to look weak in the perception of its citizens and other nations. This may result in the government taking extreme measures to maintain its , such as annexing another territory.

Example: The that began in Febraury of 2022 was a shocking attempt of imposing power over state that did not believe in the capacity of the Russian government to resort to violence. As a very extremist strategy, the Russia President Vladimir Putin engaged in a very long and cruel war, to prove Russia's in the region.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-IjHMAxTzlI1j.webp?alt=media&token=be648530-09f0-43a8-a32d-e4b4623862a0

Cleavages ➗

As a recap, cleavages are internal divisions typically based on ethnicity, religion, geography, and/or class. Those divisions can become politicized, and this impacts and . More specifically, the course focuses on how cleavages impact the relationship of citizens with their governments.

State reactions to cleavages can range from brute to recognition of and the creation of and/or . The way that states react can impact the (conformity to the law) citizens give to their regimes. tend to react much more harshly to that become politicized in order to maintain control and order.

Unit 3 - Quick Review!

This unit is mainly focused on the interactions between the state and society. A country’s political patterns are influenced by the characteristics and demands of its population.

We first explored 🙋‍♂️which are voluntary associations that are separate from the state but help individuals to interact with the state.

Then, we moved into a discussion of , , 💭 as well as political beliefs and values. With these topics, we focused on the core beliefs and values that address the tension between order and liberty,🆓 and shape the relationship between a state and its citizens.

The latter half of the unit focuses on how citizens formally and informally participate in politics and the differences in how authoritarian regimes and democratic regimes support or limit participation. In conjunction with participation, we explored how various regimes support or limit individual or . 💪

Finally, we ended the unit with a discussion of how internal divisions, called cleavages, become politicized and impact relationships between groups and the state.

In the next Unit we will talk about Party, Election Systems and Citizen organizations!

Key Terms to Review (36)

Annexation

: Annexation is the act of incorporating one territory into another larger political entity. It typically involves taking control of a smaller region by a more powerful state.

Authoritarian States

: Authoritarian states are political systems where power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or a small group, who exercise significant control over society and limit individual freedoms.

Autocracies

: Autocracies are political systems where power is concentrated in the hands of a single ruler or a small group of individuals. These rulers have absolute authority and often suppress dissent and opposition.

Autonomous Regions

: Autonomous regions are areas within a country that have a certain degree of self-governance and decision-making power, often granted to address the specific needs or demands of particular ethnic or cultural groups.

Autonomy

: Autonomy refers to a government's ability to act independently without interference from external forces or other governments. It involves making decisions that are in the best interest of its own citizens without being unduly influenced by outside pressures.

Boko Haram

: Boko Haram is an extremist Islamic terrorist group based in Nigeria that aims to establish Sharia law throughout the country. They are known for carrying out violent attacks, including bombings, kidnappings, and mass killings.

Civil Liberties

: Civil Liberties are fundamental rights and freedoms granted to individuals by law, typically protected by a constitution or bill of rights. These liberties include freedom of speech, religion, assembly, press, and privacy.

Civil Rights

: Civil Rights are protections against discrimination based on characteristics such as race, gender, religion, or nationality. They ensure equal treatment under the law for all individuals within a society.

Civil Society

: Civil society refers to the space outside of the government and business sectors where individuals come together voluntarily to pursue common interests, advocate for their rights, and engage in social activities.

Civil War

: A civil war is a violent conflict that occurs within a country between different groups or factions, often resulting in significant destruction and loss of life.

Democracies

: Democracies are political systems where power is vested in the people through free and fair elections. Citizens have the right to participate in decision-making processes either directly or through elected representatives.

Dialogue and Negotiation

: Dialogue and negotiation are processes of communication and discussion between individuals or groups with differing views or interests. They aim to find common ground, resolve conflicts, and reach mutually beneficial agreements.

Encroachment of Neighboring States

: The encroachment of neighboring states occurs when one country gradually expands its territory into another country's borders without consent. It often involves military occupation or economic dominance.

Ethnic/Religious Minorities

: Ethnic/religious minorities are groups within a larger population that differ from the majority based on factors such as race, ethnicity, language, religion, or culture. They often face challenges related to discrimination and unequal treatment.

Governmental Authority

: Governmental authority refers to the power and control that a government has over its citizens and territory. It includes the ability to make and enforce laws, collect taxes, maintain order, and provide public services.

Hegemonic Power

: Hegemonic power refers to a dominant country or state that has significant influence over other countries or regions economically, politically, militarily, or culturally.

Human Rights Abuses

: Human rights abuses refer to violations of basic rights and freedoms that every individual should have, such as the right to life, liberty, and security. These abuses can include actions like torture, discrimination, or censorship.

Ideologies

: Ideologies are comprehensive sets of ideas or theories that provide frameworks for understanding politics and guiding political actions. They often encompass economic systems, social values, power distribution models, and visions for societal organization.

Indigenous Communities

: Indigenous communities are groups of people who have lived in specific regions for generations before colonization or significant outside influence. They have distinct cultures, languages, traditions, and often face challenges related to land rights and cultural preservation.

Intergroup Conflict

: Intergroup conflict refers to conflicts that arise between different groups within a society based on factors such as ethnicity, religion, or political ideology.

Legitimacy

: Legitimacy refers to the acceptance and recognition of a government or political system by its citizens as having the right to rule and exercise authority.

NAFTA

: NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) is an agreement between Canada, Mexico, and the United States that eliminates trade barriers among these countries. It promotes free trade by reducing tariffs on goods and services.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are private entities that operate independently from the government and work towards addressing various social, economic, or environmental issues.

Participation in Politics

: Participation in politics refers to citizens' involvement in activities related to governance and decision-making processes. It includes actions such as voting, joining political parties, running for office, and engaging in political discussions.

Polarization

: Polarization refers to the division or separation of people into opposing groups based on their beliefs, values, or ideologies. It often leads to increased hostility and decreased cooperation between these groups.

Political Behavior

: Political behavior refers to actions taken by individuals or groups within a political system to influence policies or achieve specific goals.

Political Culture

: Political culture refers to the attitudes, beliefs, values, norms, and expectations that shape citizens' behavior towards politics within a particular country or society.

Radical/Terrorist Religious Elements

: Radical/terrorist religious elements refer to extremist individuals or groups who use violence or other extreme methods to promote their religious beliefs. They often deviate from mainstream interpretations of their religion and pose threats to both domestic stability and international security.

Representation of Minorities in Governmental Institutions

: Representation of minorities in governmental institutions refers to ensuring that individuals from minority groups are adequately included and have a voice in decision-making processes at various levels of government.

Repression

: Repression refers to the act of suppressing or controlling individuals or groups through the use of force, intimidation, or restrictions on their rights and freedoms.

Russian government's invasion on Ukraine

: The Russian government's invasion on Ukraine refers to the military intervention by Russia in Ukraine, which began in 2014. It involves the annexation of Crimea and ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine.

Secession

: Secession refers to the act of a region or group within a country breaking away and becoming an independent entity.

Sharia Law

: Sharia law is an Islamic legal system derived from religious texts such as the Quran and Hadiths. It governs various aspects of personal conduct, family matters, criminal justice, and economic transactions according to Islamic principles.

Social Cleavages

: Social cleavages refer to divisions within a society based on factors such as class, ethnicity, religion, or regional differences. These divisions can shape political attitudes and influence voting patterns.

Terrorism

: Terrorism involves the use of violence, intimidation, or threats by non-state actors (such as extremist groups) in order to create fear and achieve political objectives.

Zapatista Movement

: The Zapatista Movement is a social and political movement in Mexico that advocates for the rights of indigenous communities and peasants. It emerged in 1994, demanding land reform, autonomy, and social justice.

3.9 Challenges of Political and Social Cleavages

4 min readdecember 29, 2022

kelly-cotton

kelly-cotton

I

Isabela Padilha Vilela

kelly-cotton

kelly-cotton

I

Isabela Padilha Vilela

Unit 3 - Challenges of Political and Social Cleavages

You read in the previous guide about the importance of studying and saw how they play a role in each of our core countries. In this guide you will learn more about the difficulties that they pose to their governments. You must keep in mind that play a role in a government, no matter what type of regime it is. Even the most stable have seen the emergence of radical/terrorists religious elements that sprung from long-term cleavages. and all have cleavages, but the difference is how these governments deal with them.

3.9: Challenges of Political and Social Cleavages

How do cleavages affect governments?

  • Conflicting interests and competition among groups and political parties 🆚

In the previous guide we discussed the concept of coinciding cleavages, which can lead to complex and multifaceted conflicts in society. Many times, these groups form parties that are picking against another specific party. This can can cause in the political system, but it may also be resolved through . 🗣

Example: The grew its activity after the signing of the - the free trade agreement between the US, Mexico and Canada - because they believed that it would harm . However, there were also other groups that believed that it was an excellent advancement for Mexico to be more integrated in the world market.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-PqlOnTarkDXh.jpeg?alt=media&token=285f5b0c-439c-4cda-b91f-8c04718446a6

  • Perceived lack of and 🤨

The emergence of cleavages may also affect the perception of the government, which causes these groups to want more from the state or a complete separation from it. The lack of control of the government over these groups may also cause a perception of lack of authority.

Example: In the UK, there has been a growing sentiment among the Scottish people for full separation from the mainland. The countries share a complex history, having shared a monarchy since the 14th Century. But, Scotland has its own legal system, government and cultural identity. The process of the BREXIT has increased these tensions, and the Scottish National Party continues to advocate for a second independence referendum.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F2AMNED9-2DNandiElA1y.jpeg?alt=media&token=3ec583bf-9a6f-40e8-8280-822bc2b73a53

  • Pressure for /, , , and ⚠️

In many cases, some long-term cleavages gather hard power and may become a threat to other cleavages, the government, and even the population as a whole.

Example: in Nigeria has grown so much in popularity and power, that it has become a great threat to Nigerians. Their fight to instill a government that follows the in Nigeria is violent and has resulted in many .

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2FNigeria-Areas-Boko-Haram-PIt2ZfGQ22n2.webp?alt=media&token=144df7b0-7dc4-4286-a933-464d6fa9ff42

  • that sense government weakness and vulnerability 😧

As mentioned above, the emergence of divisions may cause the government to look weak in the perception of its citizens and other nations. This may result in the government taking extreme measures to maintain its , such as annexing another territory.

Example: The that began in Febraury of 2022 was a shocking attempt of imposing power over state that did not believe in the capacity of the Russian government to resort to violence. As a very extremist strategy, the Russia President Vladimir Putin engaged in a very long and cruel war, to prove Russia's in the region.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-IjHMAxTzlI1j.webp?alt=media&token=be648530-09f0-43a8-a32d-e4b4623862a0

Cleavages ➗

As a recap, cleavages are internal divisions typically based on ethnicity, religion, geography, and/or class. Those divisions can become politicized, and this impacts and . More specifically, the course focuses on how cleavages impact the relationship of citizens with their governments.

State reactions to cleavages can range from brute to recognition of and the creation of and/or . The way that states react can impact the (conformity to the law) citizens give to their regimes. tend to react much more harshly to that become politicized in order to maintain control and order.

Unit 3 - Quick Review!

This unit is mainly focused on the interactions between the state and society. A country’s political patterns are influenced by the characteristics and demands of its population.

We first explored 🙋‍♂️which are voluntary associations that are separate from the state but help individuals to interact with the state.

Then, we moved into a discussion of , , 💭 as well as political beliefs and values. With these topics, we focused on the core beliefs and values that address the tension between order and liberty,🆓 and shape the relationship between a state and its citizens.

The latter half of the unit focuses on how citizens formally and informally participate in politics and the differences in how authoritarian regimes and democratic regimes support or limit participation. In conjunction with participation, we explored how various regimes support or limit individual or . 💪

Finally, we ended the unit with a discussion of how internal divisions, called cleavages, become politicized and impact relationships between groups and the state.

In the next Unit we will talk about Party, Election Systems and Citizen organizations!

Key Terms to Review (36)

Annexation

: Annexation is the act of incorporating one territory into another larger political entity. It typically involves taking control of a smaller region by a more powerful state.

Authoritarian States

: Authoritarian states are political systems where power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or a small group, who exercise significant control over society and limit individual freedoms.

Autocracies

: Autocracies are political systems where power is concentrated in the hands of a single ruler or a small group of individuals. These rulers have absolute authority and often suppress dissent and opposition.

Autonomous Regions

: Autonomous regions are areas within a country that have a certain degree of self-governance and decision-making power, often granted to address the specific needs or demands of particular ethnic or cultural groups.

Autonomy

: Autonomy refers to a government's ability to act independently without interference from external forces or other governments. It involves making decisions that are in the best interest of its own citizens without being unduly influenced by outside pressures.

Boko Haram

: Boko Haram is an extremist Islamic terrorist group based in Nigeria that aims to establish Sharia law throughout the country. They are known for carrying out violent attacks, including bombings, kidnappings, and mass killings.

Civil Liberties

: Civil Liberties are fundamental rights and freedoms granted to individuals by law, typically protected by a constitution or bill of rights. These liberties include freedom of speech, religion, assembly, press, and privacy.

Civil Rights

: Civil Rights are protections against discrimination based on characteristics such as race, gender, religion, or nationality. They ensure equal treatment under the law for all individuals within a society.

Civil Society

: Civil society refers to the space outside of the government and business sectors where individuals come together voluntarily to pursue common interests, advocate for their rights, and engage in social activities.

Civil War

: A civil war is a violent conflict that occurs within a country between different groups or factions, often resulting in significant destruction and loss of life.

Democracies

: Democracies are political systems where power is vested in the people through free and fair elections. Citizens have the right to participate in decision-making processes either directly or through elected representatives.

Dialogue and Negotiation

: Dialogue and negotiation are processes of communication and discussion between individuals or groups with differing views or interests. They aim to find common ground, resolve conflicts, and reach mutually beneficial agreements.

Encroachment of Neighboring States

: The encroachment of neighboring states occurs when one country gradually expands its territory into another country's borders without consent. It often involves military occupation or economic dominance.

Ethnic/Religious Minorities

: Ethnic/religious minorities are groups within a larger population that differ from the majority based on factors such as race, ethnicity, language, religion, or culture. They often face challenges related to discrimination and unequal treatment.

Governmental Authority

: Governmental authority refers to the power and control that a government has over its citizens and territory. It includes the ability to make and enforce laws, collect taxes, maintain order, and provide public services.

Hegemonic Power

: Hegemonic power refers to a dominant country or state that has significant influence over other countries or regions economically, politically, militarily, or culturally.

Human Rights Abuses

: Human rights abuses refer to violations of basic rights and freedoms that every individual should have, such as the right to life, liberty, and security. These abuses can include actions like torture, discrimination, or censorship.

Ideologies

: Ideologies are comprehensive sets of ideas or theories that provide frameworks for understanding politics and guiding political actions. They often encompass economic systems, social values, power distribution models, and visions for societal organization.

Indigenous Communities

: Indigenous communities are groups of people who have lived in specific regions for generations before colonization or significant outside influence. They have distinct cultures, languages, traditions, and often face challenges related to land rights and cultural preservation.

Intergroup Conflict

: Intergroup conflict refers to conflicts that arise between different groups within a society based on factors such as ethnicity, religion, or political ideology.

Legitimacy

: Legitimacy refers to the acceptance and recognition of a government or political system by its citizens as having the right to rule and exercise authority.

NAFTA

: NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) is an agreement between Canada, Mexico, and the United States that eliminates trade barriers among these countries. It promotes free trade by reducing tariffs on goods and services.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are private entities that operate independently from the government and work towards addressing various social, economic, or environmental issues.

Participation in Politics

: Participation in politics refers to citizens' involvement in activities related to governance and decision-making processes. It includes actions such as voting, joining political parties, running for office, and engaging in political discussions.

Polarization

: Polarization refers to the division or separation of people into opposing groups based on their beliefs, values, or ideologies. It often leads to increased hostility and decreased cooperation between these groups.

Political Behavior

: Political behavior refers to actions taken by individuals or groups within a political system to influence policies or achieve specific goals.

Political Culture

: Political culture refers to the attitudes, beliefs, values, norms, and expectations that shape citizens' behavior towards politics within a particular country or society.

Radical/Terrorist Religious Elements

: Radical/terrorist religious elements refer to extremist individuals or groups who use violence or other extreme methods to promote their religious beliefs. They often deviate from mainstream interpretations of their religion and pose threats to both domestic stability and international security.

Representation of Minorities in Governmental Institutions

: Representation of minorities in governmental institutions refers to ensuring that individuals from minority groups are adequately included and have a voice in decision-making processes at various levels of government.

Repression

: Repression refers to the act of suppressing or controlling individuals or groups through the use of force, intimidation, or restrictions on their rights and freedoms.

Russian government's invasion on Ukraine

: The Russian government's invasion on Ukraine refers to the military intervention by Russia in Ukraine, which began in 2014. It involves the annexation of Crimea and ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine.

Secession

: Secession refers to the act of a region or group within a country breaking away and becoming an independent entity.

Sharia Law

: Sharia law is an Islamic legal system derived from religious texts such as the Quran and Hadiths. It governs various aspects of personal conduct, family matters, criminal justice, and economic transactions according to Islamic principles.

Social Cleavages

: Social cleavages refer to divisions within a society based on factors such as class, ethnicity, religion, or regional differences. These divisions can shape political attitudes and influence voting patterns.

Terrorism

: Terrorism involves the use of violence, intimidation, or threats by non-state actors (such as extremist groups) in order to create fear and achieve political objectives.

Zapatista Movement

: The Zapatista Movement is a social and political movement in Mexico that advocates for the rights of indigenous communities and peasants. It emerged in 1994, demanding land reform, autonomy, and social justice.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.