Cleavage Theory

Cleavage Theory is a political concept suggesting that people’s voting decisions are mainly influenced by their social identities, such as class, religion, ethnicity, or regional background. These social groups tend to develop shared values and perspectives, shaping how individuals view policies and political issues. When elections occur, voters are often motivated by loyalty or allegiance to their group rather than individual policy details. This theory helps explain persistent political divisions, as people's identities and group memberships strongly influence their preferences and behaviors in the political landscape.