Deeply Divided Analysis

“A deeply divided society, is one where violence or the threat of violence keeps it divided. (Adrian Guelke, 2012, p) Usually there are many elements as to why a society contains differences or even divisions but this does not always result in the society being “deeply” divided. A society being considered as deeply divided is often the result of numerous, overlapping, significant differences between at least two communities or groups.

The most important overlapping elements of difference which lead to a society being classified as deeply divided in my opinion are as follows: class and caste, religion and sectarianism, language and race, being an Immigrant or settle-native which can often lead to territorial issues with land and boarders, a centre-periphery model, being ruled by another polity, not respecting differing historical backgrounds, or being able to see the other sides narrative. I will be elements discussing some of these elements within this essay showing that the majority of these issues are interlinked,

Especially in communities, like India, were the caste system has been rigidity maintained, this is usually the case in more rural communities. However, a constant attempt to make a distinction in caste is observed in the upper and middle class of urban society. Showing that there is still an importance of the castes in a class system of social delamination. APARTHIED

Religion and Sectarianism is a massive cause for division with in a society. Whilst it closely unites those with the same beliefs as one another it quickly divides and separates nations and communities whose opinions differ, leading to deeply divided societies. During Nixons’ time in office as the President of US he said “In the long term we can hope that religion will change the nature of man and reduce conflict. But history is not encouraging in this respect. The bloodiest wars in history have been religious