A complex diverse phenomenon, which has its own dynamics and structure, is usually denoted by the term “conflict”. The stages of the conflict determine the scenario of its development, which may consist of several relevant periods and phases. This article will discuss this complex socio-psychological phenomenon.
Definition of a concept
The dynamics of the conflict can be considered both in a narrow and in a broad sense. In the first case, this state means the most acute stage of the confrontation. In a broad sense, the stages of conflict development is a lengthy process in which the phases of the clarification of relations succeed each other in space and time. There is no unambiguous approach to the consideration of this phenomenon. For example, L. D. Sogodeev identifies three stages of the dynamics of the conflict, each of which is divided into separate phases. A. A. Kitov divides the process of confrontation into three stages, and V.P. Galitsky and N.F. Fsedenko into six. Some scholars believe that conflict is even more complex. The stages of the conflict, in their opinion, have two development options, three periods, four stages and eleven phases. This article will set forth precisely this point of view.
Development options, periods and stages
The stages of conflict development can unfold in two different scenarios: the struggle enters the stage of escalation (the first option) or passes it (the second option).
The following states can be called periods of conflict development:
- Differentiation - the warring parties are disconnected, trying to defend only their interests, using active forms of confrontation.
- Confrontation - parties to the conflict use tough forceful methods of struggle.
- Integration - opponents meet each other and begin to seek a compromise solution.
In addition to options and periods, the following main stages of the conflict can be distinguished:
- Pre-conflict (hidden stage).
- Conflict interaction (opposition in the active stage, which, in turn, is divided into three phases: incident, escalation, balanced interaction).
- Resolution (completion of the confrontation).
- Post-conflict (possible consequences).
Below we will consider in detail the phases into which each stage of conflict interaction is divided.
Pre-conflict (main phases)
In the latent stage of development, the following phases can be distinguished:
- The emergence of a conflict situation. At this stage, a certain contradiction arises between the opponents, but they still do not realize it and do not take any active actions to defend their positions.
- Conflict awareness . At this time, the warring parties are beginning to realize that a clash is inevitable. Moreover, the perception of the situation that has arisen is usually subjective. Awareness of a conflicting objective situation can be both erroneous and adequate (that is, correct).
- An attempt by opponents to resolve a sensitive issue in communicative ways, by competently arguing their position.
- Pre-conflict situation. It arises if the methods of peaceful resolution of the problem of success did not bring. The warring parties realized the reality of the threat and decided to defend their interests by other methods.
Conflict interaction. Incident
An incident is the deliberate action of opponents who want to single-handedly seize the object of conflict, regardless of the consequences. Awareness of the threat to their interests forces the warring parties to apply active methods of influence. An incident is the beginning of a collision. It concretizes the alignment of forces and exposes the positions of the conflicting parties. At this stage, opponents are still poorly aware of their resources, potentials, forces and means that will help them gain the upper hand. This circumstance, on the one hand, holds back the conflict, and on the other hand makes it develop further. At this phase, the opponents begin to turn to a third party, that is, appeal to legal bodies to assert and protect their interests. Each of the subjects of the confrontation is trying to attract the largest number of supporters.
Conflict interaction. Escalation
This stage is characterized by a sharp increase in the aggressiveness of the warring parties. Moreover, their subsequent destructive actions are much more intense than previous ones. The consequences are difficult to predict if the conflict goes so far. The stages of the conflict in their development are divided into several stages:
- A sharp decrease in the cognitive sphere in activity and behavior. The subjects of the confrontation are moving to more aggressive, primitive methods of confrontation.
- The crowding out of the objective perception of the opponent by the universal image of the “enemy”. This image becomes the leading one in the information model of the conflict.
- Increased emotional stress.
- A sharp transition from reasonable arguments to personal attacks and claims.
- The growth of the hierarchical rank of forbidden and violated interests, their constant polarization. The interests of the parties are made bipolar.
- The uncompromising use of violence as an argument.
- The loss of the original subject of the collision.
- Generalization of the conflict, its transition to the global stage.
- Involvement of new participants in the confrontation.
The above signs are characteristic of both interpersonal and group conflicts. At the same time, the initiators of the collision can strongly support and shape these processes by manipulating the consciousness of the opposing sides. It must be emphasized that in the process of escalation, the conscious sphere of the psyche of opponents gradually loses its significance.
Conflict interaction. Balanced interaction
In this phase, the subjects of the conflict finally understand that they cannot solve the problem by force. They continue to fight, but the degree of aggressiveness is gradually declining. However, the parties have not yet taken real actions aimed at a peaceful settlement of the situation.
Conflict resolution
The stages of conflict resolution are characterized by the cessation of active confrontation, the awareness of the need to sit at the negotiating table and the transition to active interaction.
- The completion of the active phase of the collision can be triggered by several factors: a radical change in the value system of the conflicting parties; a clear weakening of one of the opponents; obvious futility of further actions; the overwhelming superiority of one of the parties; the appearance in the confrontation of a third party capable of making a significant contribution to solving the problem.
- Actually the resolution of the conflict. The parties begin to negotiate, completely abandon the use of forceful methods of struggle. Ways to resolve the confrontation may be as follows: changing the positions of the conflicting parties; elimination of one or all participants of the confrontation; destruction of the object of conflict; effective negotiations; appeal of opponents to a third party acting as an arbitrator.
The conflict can also end in other ways: attenuation (fading) or developing into a confrontation of another level.
Post-conflict phase
- Partial resolution. The stages of social conflict end at this relatively peaceful stage. This state is characterized by the preservation of emotional tension, negotiations take place in an atmosphere of mutual claims. At this stage of confrontation, a post-conflict syndrome often arises, which is fraught with the development of a new dispute.
- Normalization, or full resolution of the conflict. This phase is characterized by the complete elimination of negative attitudes and the achievement of a new level of constructive interaction. The stages of conflict management at this stage are fully completed. The parties restore relations and begin productive joint activities.
Conclusion
As mentioned above, the conflict can develop according to two scenarios, one of which implies the absence of an escalation phase. In this case, the confrontation of the parties takes place in a more constructive manner.
Each conflict has its limits. The stages of the conflict are limited by time, space and intra-systemic boundaries. The duration of the collision is characterized by its time duration. Intrasystem boundaries are determined by the separation of the subjects of confrontation from the total number of participants.
Thus, the conflict is a complex interaction between aggressive opponents. Its development is subject to certain laws, the knowledge of which can help the parties to the conflict to avoid possible losses and come to an agreement in a peaceful, constructive way.