In a democracy, individual differences are encouraged because

In a democracy, individual differences are encouraged because they foster pluralism and diversity, which are essential for a healthy society. Democratic systems value the 'multiplicity of interests' among citizens, as this diversity provides protection for individual liberty and prevents the tyranny of the majority [t1]. A good democratic government gives due respect to diverse groups and views, ensuring that everyone has a voice in shaping public policies [c3]. This political pluralism allows for 'diverse beneficial contributions to the common cause' by transforming individual preferences into public reasons through deliberation and collective action [t5]. Unlike systems that demand uniformity, democracy recognizes that the 'passion for respect and freedom' of unique individuals is its fundamental basis [c1]. Thus, encouraging differences is not merely about rights, but about the prudential and moral strength that diversity brings to the community's general well-being [c2][t2].

Sources

1. [1] Democratic Politics-II. Political Science-Class X . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 1: Power-sharing > Forms of power-sharing > p. 8
2. [2] Democratic Politics-II. Political Science-Class X . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 5: Outcomes of Democracy > Dignity and freedom of the citizens > p. 71
3. [3] Democratic Politics-II. Political Science-Class X . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 5: Outcomes of Democracy > How do we assess democracy's outcomes? > p. 64