Social cleavages and political divisions

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."