Definition
consociational
adjective
- relating to or denoting a system of government in which power is shared among representatives of different ethnic, religious, or political groups
Usage: political science term; often used in comparative politics and conflict resolution contexts
Examples
- Lebanon operates under a consociational system designed to balance power among its Christian, Muslim, and Druze communities.
- The consociational model has been proposed as a solution for deeply divided societies.
- Belgium adopted a consociational framework to manage tensions between its Flemish and Walloon populations.
- Critics argue that consociational arrangements can entrench ethnic divisions rather than overcome them.
- The consociational approach requires all major groups to participate in government decision-making.