Basics and stages of development of social conflict

Living in a society, one cannot be free from it. Inevitably, at some point, a clash of interests occurs that must be resolved. So what is the nature of social conflict? How does it begin and what threatens? Can the stages of development of social conflict have positive consequences? All these issues are relevant, since this form of interaction is somehow familiar to everyone.

Sociology and related sciences

A lot of scientists of various specialties study various aspects of human life. This is a psychology that includes several areas, anthropology, philosophy, as well as economics and sociology. The latter is a relatively young science, because it only became independent in the 19th century. And she studies what happens to ordinary people every day - the process of their interaction. One way or another, all members of society have to communicate with each other. And what happens when people behave in certain situations (from the point of view of those around them) is the main subject of interest in sociology. By the way, despite its relatively short history, this science has managed to sufficiently develop and branch out into several schools and trends that consider different phenomena from different points of view. Different views and opinions allow us to form a more or less holistic picture, although active research is still ongoing, because society is changing, new phenomena are being observed in it, while others are becoming obsolete and a thing of the past.

Social interactions

In society, certain processes always occur that affect a certain number of people. Social interactions associated with each other occur. They can always be recognized by a number of signs:

• they are objective, that is, they have goals and reasons;
• they are expressed externally, that is, they can be observed from the side;
• they are situational and change depending on the situation;
• finally, they express the subjective interests or intentions of the participants.

The process of interaction does not always occur using verbal means of communication, and this is worth considering. In addition, feedback is inherent in one form or another, although it may not always be noticeable. By the way, the laws of physics do not work here, and not every action provokes some kind of answer - such is human nature.

Sociologists distinguish three basic forms of social interactions: cooperation, or cooperation, competition and conflict. All of them have the same right to exist and arise constantly, even if it is imperceptible. The latter form can be observed in a different form and among a different number of people. And even a separate science is engaged in it to some extent - conflictology. After all, this form of interaction can look different and have a very different nature.

Conflicts

Many probably have seen at least once in their lives a quarreling couple, a mother scolding a child, or a teenager who does not want to talk with their parents. These are the phenomena that sociology studies. Social conflicts are the highest degree of manifestation of disagreement between people or their groups, the struggle of their interests. This word came to the Russian language from Latin, where it means "collision". The struggle of opinions can take place in different ways, have their own reasons, consequences, etc. But the emergence of social conflict always begins with the subjective or objective infringement of someone's rights and interests, which causes a response. Contradictions exist constantly, but the stages of development of a social conflict become visible only when the situation escalates.

Foundations and nature

Society is heterogeneous, and the benefits are not distributed equally among its members. Throughout its history, mankind has always been looking for a way to organize life so that everything is fair, but so far all attempts to do so have failed. Such heterogeneity is the very soil that forms the basis of social conflict at the macro level. So the main reason is a sharp contradiction, everything else is strung on this rod.

Unlike competition, which can be confused with conflict, interaction can occur in an extremely aggressive form, up to violence. Of course, this does not always happen, but the number of wars, strikes, riots and demonstrations shows that sometimes everything can be very serious.

Classification

There are a huge number of types of conflicts that vary depending on the criteria used. The main ones are:

• by the number of participants: internal, interpersonal, intragroup, intergroup, as well as conflicts with the external environment;
• in scope: local, national, interethnic, global;
• by duration: short and long;
• by life spheres and basis: economic, political, sociocultural, ideological, family, spiritual, moral, labor, legal;
• by nature of occurrence: spontaneous and intentional;
• on the use of various means: violent and peaceful;
• by consequences: successful, unsuccessful, constructive, destructive.

Obviously, when considering a specific collision, it is necessary to recall all of these factors. Only this will help highlight some latent, that is hidden, causes and processes, as well as understand how to resolve the conflict. On the other hand, ignoring some of them, we can consider individual aspects in much more detail.

By the way, many researchers believe that hidden conflicts are the most serious. Silent confrontation is not only unconstructive - it is similar to a time bomb, which can explode at any time. That is why it is necessary one way or another to express disagreements, if any: a large number of different opinions often helps to make serious decisions that would satisfy all interested parties.

Flow stages

Directly participating in the conflict, it is not easy to distance oneself and think about something else, because the contradiction is acute. However, observing from the side, one can easily distinguish the main stages of social conflict. Different scientists sometimes distinguish their unequal number, but basically they say four.

1. Preconflict condition. This is not yet a conflict of interests, but the situation will inevitably lead to it, contradictions between subjects appear and accumulate, and tension is gradually increasing. Then a certain event or action occurs, which becomes the so-called trigger, that is, it is the reason for the beginning of active actions.
2. Directly conflict. The escalation stage is the most active: the parties interact in one form or another, looking for not only a way out of dissatisfaction, but also a way to resolve the problem. Sometimes solutions are suggested, sometimes confrontation remains destructive. Not always all parties to the conflict take active actions, but each of them plays a role. In addition to the two directly interacting parties, mediators, or mediators, often strive at this stage to seek to resolve problems. There may also be so-called instigators or provocateurs - people who consciously or not take actions to further escalate the conflict. As a rule, they do not actively support one of the parties.
3. Conflict Resolution There comes a time when the parties have already expressed all claims and are ready to seek a way out. At this stage, active and often constructive negotiations are ongoing. However, in order to find a solution, it is necessary to remember some important conditions. First, the parties to the conflict must understand its true causes. Secondly, they should be interested in reconciliation. Thirdly, it is necessary to calm down, remember mutual respect. Finally, the last condition is not the search for general recommendations, but the development of concrete steps to resolve the contradiction.
4. Post-conflict period. At this time, the implementation of all those decisions that were adopted for reconciliation begins. For some time, the parties may still be in some kind of tension, the so-called “sediment” remains, but over time, everything passes, and relations return to a peaceful course.

In practice, these stages of social conflict are familiar to absolutely everyone. As a rule, the second period is the longest and most painful, sometimes the parties cannot go on to a constructive discussion of further steps for a very long time. The quarrel drags on and spoils the mood for everyone. But sooner or later, the third stage begins.

Behavior tactics

In the social sphere, conflicts of one scale or another occur constantly. They can go completely unnoticed, but can be very serious, especially if both sides behave unreasonably and inflate minor contradictions to huge problems.

There are five basic social models of how people act in pre-conflict situations or at the escalation stage. They are conditionally also associated with animals, noticing similar values ​​and aspirations. All of them — to one degree or another — are constructive and reasonable, but the choice of each of them depends on many factors. So, at the first stage of social conflict and with the subsequent development of events, one of the following is observed:

1. Adaptation (bear). This tactic involves for one of the parties a complete sacrifice of their interests. In this case, from the point of view of the "bear", it is more important to restore calm and stability, and not to resolve the contradictions.
2. Compromise (fox). This is a more neutral model, in which the subject of the dispute is approximately equally important for both sides. This type of conflict resolution suggests that both opponents will be only partially satisfied.
3. Collaboration (owl). This method is needed when a compromise is out of the question. This is the most successful option if it is necessary not only to return, but also to strengthen interpersonal relations. But it is suitable only for those who are ready to put offense aside and think constructively.
4. Ignoring (tortoise). One of the parties does its best to avoid open confrontation, hoping for an independent resolution of differences. Sometimes the use of this tactic is necessary in order to get a break and ease the tension.
5. Competition (shark). As a rule, one of the parties single-handedly makes a decision aimed at eliminating the problem. This is only possible with a sufficient amount of knowledge and competence.

As the development of social conflict moves from one stage to another, behavior patterns can change. The process depends on many factors, and it can depend on how it ends. If the parties are unable to cope on their own, there may be a need for an intermediary, that is, a mediator, or arbitration.

Effects

For some reason, it is generally accepted that a clash of different points of view does not carry anything good. But this is not so, because each phenomenon has both a negative side and a positive one. So, there are consequences of social conflicts, which can be called positive. Among them, you need to highlight the following:

• search for new ways to solve various problems;
• the emergence of an understanding of the values ​​and priorities of other people;
• strengthening intra-group relations when it comes to external disagreements.

Nevertheless, there are negative points:

• increased tension;
• the destruction of interpersonal relationships;
• distraction from solving more important problems.

Most scientists do not unambiguously evaluate the consequences of social conflicts. Even each specific example should be considered only in perspective, evaluating the long-term impact of all decisions made. But, since disagreements arise, it means that they are for some reason necessary. Although it is difficult to believe, recalling the terrible examples from history that led to bloody wars, brutal riots and executions.

Functions

The role of social conflict is not as simple as it might seem. This type of interaction is one of the most effective. In addition, according to many researchers, it is precisely a clash of interests that is an inexhaustible source of social development. Economic models, political regimes, entire civilizations are changing - and all because of global conflicts. But this happens only when the differences in society reach their climax, and there is an acute crisis.

One way or another, but many sociologists believe that in the end there are only two options for the development of events in the event of acute contradictions: the collapse of the core of the system or finding a compromise, or consensus. Everything else sooner or later leads to one of these paths.

When is this normal?

If we recall the essence of social conflict, it will become clear that any interaction in this form initially has a rational kernel. So, from the point of view of sociology, even an open collision is a completely normal type of interaction.

The only problem is that people are irrational and often follow emotions and can use them for their own purposes, and then the stages of development of social conflict linger on the escalation and return to it over and over again. The goal is lost, which does not lead to anything good. But blindly avoiding conflicts, constantly sacrificing their interests, is wrong. Peace in this case is completely unnecessary, sometimes it is necessary to fend for oneself.