Difference Between Overlapping and Cross-Cutting Social Differences

Social Differences implies a state when people are discriminated or say one class/group is given preference over the other, due to the difference in their social, economic or racial inequality. It often leads to social division, wherein the society is divided into various groups. Overlapping and cross-cutting are the two types of social differences, of which overlapping is a crucial situation as compared to cross-cutting, as it may result in the social division.

The main difference between overlapping and cross-cutting social difference is that while the former creates a feeling in the people that they belong to a certain group or race, due to which they are discriminated, which is not in the case of the latter. To further explore this topic read out the article.

Content: Overlapping Vs Cross-Cutting Social Differences

1. Comparison Chart
2. Definition
3. Key Differences
4. Conclusion

Comparison Chart

Basis for Comparison	Overlapping Social Difference	Cross-Cutting Social Difference
Meaning	Overlapping is a situation wherein one social difference is reinforced by another social difference.	Cross Cutting is a situation when one social difference is enfeebled by another social difference.
Results in	Social division and disintegration	Encourages diversity and assimilate unity

Definition of Overlapping Social Difference

The overlapping social difference is a state when a particular social difference becomes more powerful than the other. As a result of which people may feel a strong bond to one group and isolated towards other.

An overlapping difference is a combination of many social differences, in which one difference is the root cause of other social differences. There are instances when people perceive themselves to be belonging to a particular community, race or language that creates a difference between them and others in the society, leading to an economic difference.

Definition of Cross-Cutting Social Difference

The cross-cutting social difference, as the name itself suggest, is one in which one social-difference is nullified by another. It is not easy to set one group of people in conflict with another group, meaning that the groups that have common interest and goals regarding a particular issue are likely to be in opposing side on a different issue.

As every citizen is a part of multiple social groups and they cannot be identified as a member of a single group, so these differences can be easily accommodated.

Conclusion

To sum up, it is one of the bitter truth that, social divisions do exist in the world, in spite of the fact that every person is equal in the eyes of law. We are not given the chance to choose our community, we belong to it, because we are born in it, so it must not be a factor to discriminate and disrespect people belonging to that particular community, race or gender.

Social differences not only create differences in the mind of people, but it also hampers the country’s growth and peace, resulting in diversity. One thing is to be noted that we all are same and no one is superior or inferior and so equality must be promoted.