What is overlapping & cross-cutting?

Overcutting and overlapping are types of social differences that has to be seen within its specific context.

 

When social differences are overlapping, two social groups who are pitted against each other on one issue, will oppose each other on other issues as well.

 

On the other hand, when social differences are cross-cutting each other, two social groups might be oppositional in their views on one issue, but they might share interests on another issue.