Chapter 1 · Question 2
Compare the power-sharing experiences of Belgium and Sri Lanka.
Answer
Direct Answer
Belgium accommodated linguistic diversity through constitutional arrangements, community government, equal representation, and decentralisation. Sri Lanka initially followed majoritarian policies that favoured the Sinhala majority, which increased alienation among Tamils and led to conflict.
Simple Explanation
Belgium shared power by giving all language communities a voice through constitutional arrangements, which kept the country united. Sri Lanka imposed Sinhala majoritarian rule, alienated Tamils, and slid into civil war.
Exam-Ready Structure
Belgium and Sri Lanka show two different approaches to handling social diversity:
Belgium — accommodation:
• Dutch-speaking people form the majority in Belgium nationally, but they are a minority in Brussels, where French-speaking people form the majority.
• Belgium accommodated linguistic diversity through constitutional arrangements, community government, equal representation, and decentralisation.
Sri Lanka — majoritarianism:
• Policies favouring the Sinhala majority increased alienation among Tamils and led to conflict.
Power-sharing can accommodate diversity and strengthen national unity, while majoritarianism can deepen conflict.
Key Points
- Belgium accommodated linguistic diversity through constitutional arrangements, community government, equal representation, and decentralisation.
- Sri Lanka initially followed majoritarian policies that favoured the Sinhala majority, which increased alienation among Tamils and led to conflict.