Conflict

Conflict


Conflict is "the process of social interaction in which two or more persons struggle with one another for Some commonly prized object or value". It is opposite of co-operation; defeat of an opponent is considered essential for achieving the desired goal. Conflicts arise because the benefits and rewards are relatively limited. In pursuing these scarce resources, the interests of individuals clash, such individual tries to subdue the others to satisfy his own desires.
The sociologist George Simuel identified four major types of
conflict: (1) war; between groups, (2) feuds or factional strife within groups, (3) litigation (conflict that is handled legally and may be settled at courts), and (4) impersonal ideal. Conflicts over ideal rather than some desired material, have often been the most merciless and destructive.
Some philosophers and social thinker have suggested that conflict is a problem caused by social organization, and that in a perfect society , conflict would not arise. However, it is difficult to imagine society without conflict, in fact, some conflict is inevitable. A stable society is one that finds means of controlling Conflict with no injury to any of the conflicting parties. Because conflict often ends in unhappiness, destruction and violence, and even death, it is naturally viewed negatively. However, several sociologists emphasize that conflict has positive aspects. Conflict can integrate one people on opposing sides, bonding them firmly into a group. Conflict may also lead to needed social change. Theses sociologists suggest that conflict free society would be lifeless, without little interest or dynamic quality.