12 Questions
What is consociationalism?
A power-sharing system maintaining stability through consultation among diverse groups
Which approach seeks to establish multi-ethnic parties?
Centripetalism
What is the main goal of hybrid power sharing?
Balancing elements of consociationalism and centripetalism
In consociationalism, what is the primary focus in preventing violence?
Ensuring consultation among elite representatives
What distinguishes centripetalism from consociationalism?
Encourages depoliticization of ethnicity
Which feature is common between consociationalism and centripetalism?
Maintaining stability and preventing violence
What was the approach adopted by Sri Lanka after gaining independence in 1948?
Majoritarianism
Which of the following is NOT one of the primary reasons why power sharing is desirable in a democracy?
Cultural homogeneity
What does the horizontal distribution of power involve?
Participating in governmental committees or affecting policies through movements
Which form of power sharing refers to sharing power among different levels of government, such as national, state, and local?
Vertical distribution of power
Which approach did Belgium adopt to address cultural diversity?
Accommodation
What does power sharing through constitutional arrangements involve?
Creating a constitution to provide power sharing arrangements among different organs of the government
Study Notes
Types of Power Sharing
Introduction
Power sharing is a practice used in conflict resolution where multiple groups distribute political, military, or economic power according to agreed rules. Power-sharing systems have become increasingly common in negotiating settlements for armed conflicts post-Cold War era. Theoretical approaches to power sharing include consociationalism and centripetalism, both of which prescribe different systems for power-sharing.
Consociationalism
Consociationalism is a form of democratic power sharing in ethnically pluralistic societies. It is defined as a state with major internal divisions along ethnic, religious, or linguistic lines, where no single group forms a majority. Consociational states seek to maintain stability and prevent violence by ensuring consultation among elite representatives of diverse groups. Consociationalism prioritizes inclusivity and representation of all groups, including minorities, on the political and economic stages.
Centripetalism
Centripetalism, also known as integrationism, aims to encourage moderating and compromise policies among divided societies. Unlike consociationalism, centripetalism seeks to depoliticize ethnicity and establish multi-ethnic parties. By encouraging groups to focus on common ground rather than differences, centripetalism aims to foster unity and peace.
Hybrid Power Sharing
Hybrid power sharing combines elements of consociationalism and centripetalism, emphasizing a balanced approach. In this model, elements of one theory are dominant, yet enhanced by institutions typical of the other, creating a unique power-sharing structure tailored to specific societal needs.
Power Sharing in Modern Democracies
Modern democracies employ various power-sharing systems, including horizontal distribution (equal power among branches), community government (shared power among socially connected groups), power-sharing among political parties, and vertical distribution (shared power across different levels of government). These systems serve to ensure balanced governance and prevent concentration of power.
Learn about different types of power sharing used in conflict resolution, including consociationalism, centripetalism, and hybrid power sharing. Explore how power-sharing systems contribute to stability and inclusivity in diverse societies, as well as their implementation in modern democracies.
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