Political and Social Cleavages - AP Comparative Government & Politics

Ethnic divisions. Groups with distinct cultural identities often have different political interests.

Cross-cutting reduce conflict; reinforcing increase it. When cleavages intersect, they moderate conflict; when they align, they intensify it.

Cross-cutting cleavages. They prevent any single division from dominating politics completely.

Cleavages that overlap and deepen divisions. Multiple divisions align to create deeper social and political fractures.

Cleavages shape party platforms and constituencies. Parties organize around these divisions to appeal to specific groups.

Class-based cleavages. Economic differences between workers and owners remain politically significant.

A division based on ethnic identity. Different ethnic groups often have competing interests and political preferences.

They influence party alignments and policy preferences. Religious groups organize politically around moral and social issues.

Cleavages that intersect, reducing potential conflict. People belong to multiple groups, moderating extreme political divisions.

Economic status. Wealth differences create distinct political preferences and party loyalties.

They determine party strategies and electoral success. Parties must appeal to different social groups to win elections.

A division based on geographic or regional differences. Different regions often have distinct economic interests and cultural values.

Income level and religion intersect differently. Wealthy religious minorities moderate potential class-based conflicts.

By creating opposing groups with conflicting interests. Competing interests between groups can escalate into political confrontation.

Class cleavage. Economic divisions between rich and poor shape political competition.

They influence policy preferences and representation. Women and men often have different political priorities and voting patterns.

A division based on socioeconomic status. Economic position determines political interests and party preferences.

Technological change. New technologies can create winners and losers with different political needs.

Social and economic changes can alter divisions. Economic and social transformations reshape group interests and political alignments.

A division based on cultural differences. Shared values and traditions create distinct political identities and preferences.

They affect the design and functioning of systems. Cleavages determine which electoral rules will advantage different groups.

Religion and ethnicity overlapping. When divisions align, they create deeper and more persistent conflicts.

A division based on ideological beliefs. Political beliefs about government role create distinct voting blocs.

They shape policy priorities and coalitions. Different groups push for policies that benefit their specific interests.

Protestant vs. Catholic in Northern Ireland. Religious differences became the basis for sustained political conflict.

They can increase or decrease political engagement. Strong group identities can mobilize or demobilize different voter segments.

Ethnic cleavage. Cultural identities are typically inherited and remain stable across time.

Urban vs. rural divisions. Economic development creates different interests between city and countryside.

A division based on type of employment. Different jobs create distinct economic interests and political preferences.