Communalism is a social phenomenon that occurs when individuals identify themselves primarily on the basis of their religious, ethnic, or other community affiliations, often leading to conflicts and divisions within society. While there may be numerous factors contributing to the emergence of communalism, the central argument is that it arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation. This can be illustrated through various historical and contemporary examples.

To begin with, power struggle plays a significant role in fostering communalism. When different religious or ethnic groups vie for political, social, or economic influence, it can lead to the exacerbation of communal tensions. One such example is the partition of India in 1947, which resulted in the creation of India and Pakistan as separate nations. The power struggle between Hindus and Muslims during the independence movement, coupled with political ambitions and rivalries, ultimately led to violent communal riots and the division of the subcontinent along religious lines.

Moreover, communalism often arises due to relative deprivation, wherein a community perceives itself as being deprived of resources, opportunities, or social status when compared to another community. This sense of relative deprivation breeds feelings of resentment and animosity, eventually fueling communal conflicts. A notable instance is the Rwandan genocide in 1994, where the Hutu majority perceived themselves as economically and politically disadvantaged in comparison to the Tutsi minority. This perception of relative deprivation, exacerbated by long-standing animosities, resulted in mass killings and the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives.

Additionally, contemporary examples also shed light on how power struggles and relative deprivation contribute to communalism. In many parts of the world, political parties exploit communal sentiments to gain power and control. For instance, in recent years, some political leaders in India have utilized religious polarization for electoral gains, by promoting communal narratives and stoking religious tensions. This power struggle and manipulation of communal identities have led to an increase in communal violence and divisions within society.

Similarly, conflicts in regions like the Middle East, such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, have deep roots in power struggles and perceived relative deprivation. The struggle for control over land, resources, and political power has fueled communal tensions between Israelis and Palestinians, resulting in decades of violence and mistrust.

In conclusion, communalism is a complex social phenomenon that arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation within societies. Historical events like the partition of India and the Rwandan genocide, as well as contemporary examples in countries like India and the Middle East, illustrate how these factors contribute to the emergence of communalism. Recognizing and addressing these underlying issues, such as promoting equality, justice, and inclusive governance, is crucial in fostering harmony and avoiding further divisions within diverse societies.

Communalism: A Confluence of Power and Deprivation

Communalism, a dangerous ideology fueled by hatred and prejudice, can indeed be traced back to two primary sources: power struggles and relative deprivation. These factors, often intertwined, create an environment ripe for communal tension and violence.

Power Struggle:

• Political Dominance: History is replete with examples where dominant groups, driven by the desire to maintain their power, exploit communal divisions. The partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, fueled by fears of religious dominance, exemplifies this. The Muslim League, under Muhammad Ali Jinnah, campaigned for a separate Muslim state, fearing marginalization within a Hindu-majority India. This power struggle, rooted in religious identity, resulted in devastating communal violence and the displacement of millions.
• Resource Control: In regions with scarce resources, competition for control often plays out along communal lines. The Rwandan genocide of 1994, driven by ethnic tensions between the Hutu and Tutsi, is a chilling example. The Hutu majority, fueled by propaganda and manipulated by extremist leaders, perceived the Tutsi minority as a threat to their control of resources, leading to a horrifying massacre.
• Political Opportunism: Politicians, often driven by self-serving agendas, can exploit existing communal tensions for political gain. The Gujarat riots of 2002, sparked by the Godhra train burning incident, saw Hindu nationalists using the tragedy to further their political ambitions. The BJP, under Narendra Modi, capitalized on anti-Muslim sentiment, leading to widespread violence and displacement.

Relative Deprivation:

• Economic Disparity: When communities perceive a significant gap in economic opportunities and resources, it can breed resentment and fuel communal tensions. The "Dalit" community in India, historically marginalized and facing widespread poverty, has often been targeted in communal violence. Their perceived deprivation, coupled with the perceived dominance of upper castes, has fueled a cycle of conflict and resentment.
• Social Exclusion: When communities feel marginalized and excluded from the mainstream, it can lead to feelings of resentment and alienation. The Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, facing persecution and denied citizenship, have been subjected to systemic discrimination and violence. Their perceived lack of rights and opportunities, coupled with their status as a minority group, has led to horrific consequences.
• Cultural Identity: When communities feel threatened in their cultural identity, it can lead to heightened anxieties and communal tensions. The ongoing conflict in Kashmir, fuelled by competing narratives of identity and history, illustrates this. Both India and Pakistan claim the region as their own, leading to political instability and simmering tensions rooted in a perceived threat to cultural identity.

Conclusion:

Communalism is a complex and dangerous phenomenon, often fueled by a confluence of power struggles and relative deprivation. Understanding the underlying causes is crucial in addressing the root of the problem and building a more equitable and inclusive society. By tackling power imbalances, promoting social justice, and fostering dialogue, we can work towards mitigating the dangers of communalism and creating a world where all communities thrive in harmony.

A great topic!

Communalism, which refers to the belief that a group's interests are more important than those of other groups, often leading to conflict and violence, can indeed arise from two primary factors: power struggle and relative deprivation. Let's explore these arguments with suitable illustrations:

Power Struggle:

In many cases, communalism emerges as a result of a power struggle between different groups, particularly when there is a perception that one group is seeking to dominate or exclude others. This can manifest in various ways:

1. Political power: In India, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC) have often been at odds over issues like Hindu nationalism and secularism. This power struggle has led to communal tensions, with the BJP being accused of promoting Hindu majoritarianism and the INC being seen as favoring minority interests.
2. Economic power: In Sri Lanka, the majority Sinhalese population has historically dominated the economy, leading to resentment among the Tamil minority. This economic imbalance has contributed to communal tensions and violence, including the Sri Lankan Civil War (1983-2009).
3. Cultural power: In the United States, the debate around Confederate monuments and symbols has sparked communal tensions between those who see them as symbols of white supremacy and those who view them as part of their heritage. This struggle for cultural dominance has led to conflicts and violence.

Relative Deprivation:

Relative deprivation occurs when a group feels that they are being unfairly excluded or marginalized relative to others. This perceived disadvantage can lead to communalism and conflict:

1. Economic inequality: The disparity in economic opportunities and living standards between the Muslim minority and the Hindu majority in India has contributed to communal tensions. Muslims, who often face discrimination in employment and education, may feel that they are being left behind, leading to resentment and communalism.
2. Political underrepresentation: In the Balkans, the Bosnian War (1992-1995) was fueled by a sense of political underrepresentation among Bosnian Muslims, who felt that they were being dominated by Serbian and Croatian nationalist groups.
3. Cultural marginalization: In the 1960s and 1970s, the African American community in the United States experienced relative deprivation in terms of civil rights, leading to the Civil Rights Movement and communal tensions with the white majority.

In conclusion, communalism can indeed arise from power struggles and relative deprivation. When groups feel threatened, excluded, or marginalized, they may resort to communalism as a means of asserting their interests or addressing perceived injustices. Understanding these underlying factors is crucial in addressing and mitigating communal tensions and conflicts.