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Social Cleavage
The concept of social cleavages is used to explain enduring differences in a population that tend to lead to divisions and oppositions within a society (Manza & Brooks 1999). The most basic division that is of great interest to political scientists is class, which can itself be made up of other cleavages such as economic position, occupation type, and other factors. A lot of recent attention has also been paid to political parties, which have become the main operational cleavage as far as direct interaction with the political system in many countries (Manza & Brooks 1999).
I personally feel that I have been more influenced by class, and specifically economic position, than most other identified cleavages. My grandparents on both sides of the family came from extreme poverty, and I -- like my parents -- am a solid member of the middle class. Because of these facts, I have been made very aware of the advantages I have that others don't, but I also see the enormous extra advantages that vast amounts of disposable income can lead to. I have had a job ever since I was old enough to get one, leaving me less time for school and for socializing than many others in college. At times I am frustrated by these circumstances, but other times I am made aware of the greater sense of responsibility and competence this lends me. Either way, though, there is a definite sense of divide or "cleavage."
Political parties affect me less, I believe, than they interest political scientists. Though I tend to agree with Democratic policies and politicians on many issues -- most notably healthcare -- both parties are dominated by members of the upper class. The fact that a fortune is all but a requirement to holding political office in this country is incredibly dismaying.
Reference
Manza, J. & Brooks, C. (1999). Social cleavages and political change. New York: Oxford University Press.
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