Student handout 3.6: Map of social cleavages and political parties

Each society has a few basic conflict constellations, termed cleavages.

The Left-Right cleavage occurs in all countries with free trade capitalist systems. This cleavage dates back to the industrial revolution in the 19th century.

The other two cleavages are more recent.

The cleavage of environment vs. economic growth hit the agenda in the 1970s.

The “strong state” vs. civil rights cleavage was reactivated in the fight against terrorism after 11 September 2001.

The system of political parties depicts these cleavages. They represent group interests and give priority to certain cleavages.

Each society has its specific cleavage structure. The more cleavages a society has, the more difficult it is to govern.