Tyranny of the majority
Also called: Dominance of the majority · Topic: Power-sharing: Majoritarianism versus Accommodation · NCERT: Class 7, Ch 6 "The State, the Government, and You"; Class 10, Ch 1 "Power-sharing"
Meaning
Tyranny of the majority is when a majority uses its numbers to oppress minorities. The warning comes from Tocqueville (1835) and Mill (1859). NCERT adds that it often hurts the majority too, because the conflict that follows brings instability and economic loss and weakens national unity. NCERT's cartoon line sums up the lesson: "sharing of power makes us more powerful".
Example
In Sri Lanka, the Sinhala majority passed the Sinhala Only Act 1956 and gave Sinhala applicants preference in universities and jobs. This led to the civil war of 1983-2009, which harmed both communities. Pakistan refused to share power with the Awami League after it won the 1970 election, and the country broke up in 1971.
Don't confuse with
- Majority rule: this is normal democratic decision-making, where majorities change from issue to issue. Tyranny of the majority is when a fixed, identity-based majority shuts out minorities for good.