What are the conditions under which democracies accommodate social diversities?
Democracies accommodate social diversities when they fulfil two main conditions. First, it is necessary to understand that democracy is not simply rule by majority opinion. The majority needs to work with the minority so that governments function to represent the general view.
Second, majority and minority opinions are not permanent. Democracy remains democracy only as long as every citizen has a chance of being in majority at some point of time.
If someone is barred from being in majority on the basis of birth, then the democratic rule ceases to be accommodative for that person or group.
Explanation
The textbook context explicitly lists two conditions required for a democracy to successfully handle social differences, using the example of Sri Lanka as a reminder. The first condition emphasizes that majority rule must involve working with the minority, rather than simple dominance. The second condition highlights the fluidity of political groups, stating that no group should be permanently excluded from forming a majority based on birth, ensuring the system remains accommodative for all citizens.