The existence of social diversity does not threaten democracy. Political expression of social differences is possible and sometimes quite desirable in a democratic system. Three kinds of social differences that can take the form of social divisions and inequalities are social differences based on gender, religion and caste.
Boys and girls are brought up to believe that the main responsibility of women is housework and bringing up children. This is reflected in a Sexual Division of Labour in most families. The result of this division of labour is that although women constitute half of the humanity, their role in public life, especially politics, is minimal in most societies.
One way to solve this problem is to make it legally binding to have a fair proportion of women in the elected bodies. This is what the Panchayati Raj has done in India.
Ideas, ideals and values drawn from different religions can play a role in politics. The problem begins when religion is seen as the basis of the nation. Communal politics is based on the idea that religion is the principal basis of social community.
Communalism was and continues to be one of the major challenges to democracy in our country. The makers of our Constitution were aware of this challenge. That is why they chose the model of a secular state.
Unlike gender and religion, caste division is special to India. Caste system was based on exclusion of and discrimination against the outcaste groups. As in the case of communalism, casteism is rooted in the belief that caste is the sole basis of social community.