“Democracy accommodates social diversities.” Support the statement with examples.

Democracies across the globe have been successful to a great extent in accommodating social diversities.

1. No society can fully and permanently resolve conflicts among different groups. But we can learn to develop respect for these differences and evolve mechanisms for negotiation. For example – Belgium has been successful in negotiating differences among its ethnic population.

2. Democracies usually develop systematic procedures to conduct competition which helps in reducing the possibility of tensions becoming explosive or violent.

3. Democracy, time and again, has witnessed situations which have further contributed to its strengthening. For example – The situation in Sri Lanka has been successful in highlighting the meaning of the term ‘majority’ as well as the need to accommodate minority groups and their preferences.

NOTE – In comparison to non-democratic regimes, democracy does not turn a blind eye or suppress internal social differences. Proper mechanisms contribute to the strengthening of democracy and thus bind the people together. For example – India is the best-suited example of representing diversity.