Disruption of traditional institutions, identifications and loyalties is likely to lead to ambivalent situations. It is possible that some people may renew their identification with traditional groups whereas others align themselves with new groups and symbols emergent from processes of political development. In addition, political development tends to foster group awareness of a variety of class, tribe, region, clan, language, religion, occupation and others. Which one of the following is the best explanation of the above passage?

The passage describes political development as a complex process where traditional structures are disrupted, leading to "ambivalent situations." Some individuals may reaffirm traditional loyalties, while others embrace new groups and symbols. Additionally, it fosters awareness of various new identities. This indicates that the process is not straightforward or moving in a single direction.

Analysis of Options:

A) Political development is not a unilinear process for it involves both growth and decay. This is the best explanation. "Not a unilinear process" aligns with the idea that some renew traditional loyalties while others align with new ones – there isn't a single, predictable path. "Involves both growth and decay" fits perfectly: the "disruption of traditional institutions" represents decay of old structures, while the emergence of "new groups and symbols" and fostered "group awareness" represents growth. The ambivalence highlights this simultaneous presence of old and new, disruption and emergence.

B) Traditional societies succeed in resisting positive aspects of political development. The passage does not state that traditional societies succeed in resisting, nor does it label aspects of political development as inherently "positive." It describes a mixed outcome where some renew traditional ties and others embrace new ones.

C) It is impossible for traditional societies to break away from lingering loyalties. This is incorrect. The passage explicitly states that "others align themselves with new groups and symbols," which means some do break away from lingering loyalties.

D) Sustenance of traditional loyalties is conducive to political development. The passage describes the sustenance of traditional loyalties as one possible outcome of the disruption, but it does not suggest that this sustenance is conducive (helpful or beneficial) to political development. It's a descriptive statement about a complex process, not a prescriptive one about what aids development.