the cleavage model (in social sciences)

The cleavage model in social sciences describes how deep-rooted social divisions—such as class, religion, ethnicity, or region—shape political behavior and party support. These divisions act as persistent lines of identity and loyalty, influencing how people align with political parties or policies over time. Essentially, the model suggests that societies are "cleaved" along certain fault lines, which strongly impact voting patterns and social cohesion. It helps explain why some societies experience persistent political divides and why certain issues remain divisive across generations.