Concept of Plural Society

Plural Society

A multiethnic society in which at least one of the societal cleavages is politicized, often characterized by a mismatch between the nation and the state.

Societal Cleavages

Divisions within a society based on ethnicity, religion, language, or tribe, which can lead to different cultural groups coexisting.

Majoritarian Democracy

A model of democracy that focuses on winning decisions through the majority rule.

Consensus Democracy

A model of democracy that emphasizes collaborative decision-making and power sharing among various groups.

Secession

The process of breaking apart a country due to irreconcilable differences; akin to a divorce, accompanied by division of resources.

Depoliticization of Ethnic Cleavages

Strategies aimed at mitigating tension by making existing societal divisions less politically relevant; governments have sometimes tried to erase these differences.

Grand Coalition

A political strategy where all parties in the legislature share governing power; all parties represented in the cabinet reduces the likelihood of opposition forming.

Mutual Veto

A decision-making mechanism where support from all recognized groups is required, ensuring no single group can dominate policy without collaboration.

Bicameralism in Consociational Democracy

A legislative system with two chambers that allows for differing types of representation, often facilitating power-sharing among ethnic groups by having one house represent ethnic segments and the other use proportional representation.