Social conflict causes and types of social conflicts. Social conflict

The word "conflict" (from lat. SOP/ICSHZ) means a clash of opposing views, opinions. The concept of social conflict as a collision of two or more subjects of social interaction finds a broad (polyvariant) interpretation among representatives of various areas of the conflictological paradigm. For example, in the view of K. Marx in a class society, the main social conflict manifests itself in the form of an antagonistic class struggle, culminating in a social revolution. According to L. Kozer, conflict is one of the types of social interaction. It is "a struggle for values and claims to status, power and resources, during which opponents neutralize, damage or eliminate their rivals" . In the interpretation of R. Dahrendorf, social conflict is a variety of intensity types of clashes between conflicting groups, in which the class struggle is one of the types of confrontation.

The concept of "conflict" is ambiguously interpreted by modern Russian researchers. Some of them cite “mismatched interests” as the cause of the conflict, which is fundamentally wrong. Conflicting interests, as a rule, do not cause a conflict. So, if one subject likes to pick mushrooms, and another likes to fish, then their interests do not coincide, but a conflict situation does not arise. But if they are both avid fishermen and claim the same place by the reservoir, then in this case a conflict is quite possible. Obviously, in this case it is legitimate to talk about incompatible or mutually exclusive interests and goals of the parties to the conflict.

An analysis of the above definitions allows us to identify the following signs of social conflict:

collision of two or more subjects of social interaction;
the form of relations between the subjects of social action regarding the resolution of acute contradictions;
an extreme case of exacerbation of social contradictions, expressed in various forms of struggle between subjects;
open struggle of social subjects;
conscious clash of social communities;
the interaction of parties pursuing incompatible goals, whose actions are directed against each other;
clash of subjects based on real and imaginary contradictions.

The conflict is based on subjective-objective contradictions. But not every contradiction develops into a conflict. The concept of "contradiction" is broader than the concept of "conflict". Social contradictions are the main determining factors social development. They permeate all spheres of social relations and for the most part do not escalate into conflict. In order for objectively existing (periodically arising) contradictions to transform into a social conflict, it is necessary for the subjects of interaction to realize that this or that contradiction is an obstacle to achieving their vital goals and interests.

Objective contradictions - these are those that really exist in society, regardless of the will and desire of the subjects. For example, the contradictions between labor and capital, between the managers and the ruled, the contradictions of "fathers" and "children", etc.

In addition, in the imagination of the subject, there may be imaginary contradictions when there are no objective reasons for the conflict, but the subject is aware (perceives) the situation as a conflict. In this case, we can talk about subjective-subjective contradictions.

Contradictions can exist for quite a long period of time and not develop into a conflict. Therefore, it must be borne in mind that the conflict is based only on those contradictions caused by incompatible interests, needs and values. Such contradictions, as a rule, are transformed into an open struggle of the parties, into a real confrontation.

Collisions can arise for various reasons, for example, over material resources, over values and the most important attitudes in life, over power (domination problems), over status and role differences in the social structure, over personal (including emotionally -psychological) differences, etc. Thus, conflicts cover all spheres of people's life, the totality of social relations, social interaction.

The conflict, in fact, is one of the types of social interaction, the subjects and participants of which are individuals, large and small social groups and organizations. However, conflict interaction involves the confrontation of the parties, i.e., actions directed against each other. The form of clashes - violent or non-violent - depends on many factors, including whether there are real conditions and opportunities (mechanisms) for non-violent conflict resolution and what goals the subjects of confrontation pursue.

So, social conflict is an open confrontation between two or more subjects (sides) of social interaction, the causes of which are incompatible needs, interests and values.

Coser L. Decree. op. - S. 32.
Cm.: Dahrendorf R. Elements of the theory of social conflict // Sociological research. - 1994. - No. 5. - S. 144.

Humanity has always faced the question of the inevitability of conflicts. Researches of sociology, psychology, conflictology, social science are devoted to the problem, which determine that conflicts are an integral part of the life of society. One cannot distance oneself from them, because even everyday differences of opinion cause contradictions.

What is social conflict

In science, social conflict has a definition: it is opposition, which is based on disagreements between individuals or social communities. A vivid example of a global social conflict was the events associated with the fate of many people in the last century and left their mark on modern life: this known facts World War II.

Experts say that not a single day of human existence passes without conflicts: professional, family and many others, and everyone invariably becomes its subject or participant.

In sociology, conflict (from Latin conflictus - faced) is considered the most acute way to resolve conflicts in interests, goals, lifestyle. Its main characteristic is as follows: the opposition of the participants is usually accompanied by negative emotions, often the behavior of those involved goes beyond social rules. Briefly, conflict is the highest stage of confrontation between several parties.

Important! Although social conflict is a destructive form of interaction, it has its pros and cons. On the one hand, it brings negativity into the relationship, on the other hand, it brings positive. Thus, industrial collisions highlight professional problems, hidden relationships of the team, accelerate progress.

Participants in social conflict

In the conflict, the main problem is human confrontation, therefore its participants are people in different roles. A common type is an interpersonal conflict in which two individuals collide.

Despite the fact that it is based on the contradiction between the two subjects, other participants can also be included in it. Then the action grows to a group scale. For example, two locksmiths argued about a tool, colleagues stood up for each, and there was growth.

Sociologists noted that the duration of the conflict state does not affect the number of participants. Even the briefest encounter presupposes the presence of people who, one way or another, are present in it:

Witnesses watch the confrontation;
Instigators push for conflict;
Accomplices help the clash with advice;
Mediators seek to prevent or resolve conflict.

What causes social conflict

Any conflict does not arise on its own, this is facilitated by social causes. To predict and resolve a collision, you need to learn how to identify them.

The analysis of the conflict situation begins with the results, then it is easier to identify why it arose, what are the reasons:

Distribution of material resources;
Differences in life values and attitudes;
Possession of power;
Personal characteristics.

Three types of social conflicts

There is no consensus on the types of social conflicts yet. Experts define their variety depending on what is taken as a basis: methods of resolution, spheres of manifestation, and so on. For example, if the basis is the personal characteristics of the parties, interpersonal conflicts stand out.

Now there is more talk about behavior styles that provide a basis for classification:

When a struggle is started for the recognition of the achievements of an individual in order to increase social status, we are talking about rivalry;
Passive confrontation between groups with opposing interests will result in confrontation;
A special type is competition, the purpose of which is to make a profit, access to scarce goods.

Note. Regardless of the type of conflict, its process is gradual and continues until any results appear and the cause is eliminated.

Function and role of social conflict

According to experts, the conflict performs both positive and negative functions. There are assessments of the consequences of the conflict: objective and subjective. For example, the consequences in the form of the reconstruction of the workshop with modern facilities have a positive objective assessment, and, from the point of view of the employees of the enterprise who are forced to quit due to staff reductions, they are regarded subjectively negatively.

Therefore, the functions of social conflict can be called constructive, that is, positive, and destructive, having a negative characteristic.

Stages of development of social conflict

Not a single conflict breaks out instantly, but goes through certain stages of development. Many have witnessed this unfolding of events in their teams:

Pre-conflict (hidden) stage, when the parties realize that there is tension. For example, an employee said unpleasant things about the work of another. The rest discuss the brewing scandal on the sidelines, but do not speak openly.
The actual conflict flares up when the tension reaches its limit, and an incident occurs. Consent becomes impossible, hostility to each other is formed, rivals begin to openly oppose. Other participants are involved in the conflict, which is considered a critical point of the conflict and leads to active measures (penalties).
At the resolution stage, the incident is completed, the contradictions between the parties are eliminated (conflicting employees are fired, business continues).

Ways to resolve social conflicts

Specialists have developed conditions that lead to successful conflict resolution. Most of them are psychological in nature, as they reflect the behavior of opponents:

Compromise, that is, the rejection of some claims in favor of each other, leading the acute stage to a calmer one in order to find a common solution.
Negotiation is a peaceful discussion of the problem. An intermediary can be involved in them, who will convey mutual claims to the conflicting parties. This will help eliminate emotional outburst and calmly resolve the contradiction.

There is a whole arsenal of administrative tools, which include:

Arbitration - the mediator does not just listen to the participants and conveys to them a vision of the situation, but makes an independent decision, the participants in the conflict obey him. For example, in economic disputes, conflict resolution often takes place through arbitration.
The use of power - the administration provides an opportunity to state the cause of the conflict and makes an authoritative decision to end it. If orders are not followed, employees may be fired.

Consequences of social conflicts

The consequences of conflict can be:

positive: resolution of accumulated contradictions; stimulation of the process; rapprochement of the team; increased cohesion;
negative: tension in relationships; destabilization of the organization; distractions from goals; depression, stress participants.

The existing notion that conflict is evil is refuted by science. The modern point of view is this: some conflicts are not only possible, but also desirable, since this is the path to progress. The main thing is to be able to manage them, extracting the maximum benefit and receiving minimal losses.

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social conflict(from lat. confliktus - clash) - this is the highest stage of development of contradictions in relations between people, social groups, society as a whole, which is characterized by a clash of oppositely directed interests, goals, positions of subjects of interaction.

Social conflict occurs only when conscious contradiction between the intentions, goals and aspirations of the participants. The conflict lies in the desire of one of the parties to change any elements of existing social relations, and the other - to preserve them. At the same time, the parties must be aware of the contradictory nature of their intentions. In addition, when deciding on a confrontation, they, as a rule, understand that by their conflict actions they are able to inflict damage (material, moral, physical) on the opposite side.

Social conflicts are inevitable in any social system, since they serve as a necessary condition for social development. The social structure of a society with rigid differentiation into classes, social strata, groups and communities presupposes conflicts and is their source.

The concept of social conflict

The word "" (from Latin confliktus) means a clash (of parties, opinions, forces). The concept of social conflict as a collision of two or more subjects of social interaction is widely interpreted by representatives of various areas of the conflictological paradigm.

Yes, in the view K. Marx in a class society, the main social conflict manifests itself in the form of antagonistic class struggle culminating in a social revolution.

According to L. Koser, the conflict is one of the types of social interaction, during which there is " struggle for values and claims to status, power and resources, during which opponents neutralize, damage or eliminate their rivals.

In the interpretation R. Dahrendorf social conflict is a variety of intensity types of clashes between conflicting groups, in which the class struggle is one of the types of confrontation.

It is an open confrontation, a clash of two or more subjects (sides) of social interaction, the causes of which are incompatible needs, interests and values.

The form of clashes - violent or non-violent - depends on many factors, including whether there are real conditions and opportunities (mechanisms) for non-violent conflict resolution, what goals the subjects of confrontation pursue, what attitudes the conflicting parties are "guided", etc.

So, social conflict- this is an open confrontation, a clash of two or more subjects (sides) of social interaction, the causes of which are incompatible needs, interests and values.

Contradictions and causes of conflicts

The conflict is based on subjective-objective contradictions. However, not every contradiction develops into a conflict. The concept of contradiction in its content is broader than the concept of conflict. Social contradictions are the main determinants of social development. They "penetrate" all spheres of social relations and for the most part do not develop into a conflict. In order for objectively existing (periodically arising) contradictions to transform into a social conflict, it is necessary that the subjects (subject) of interaction realize that this or that contradiction is an obstacle to their achievement of vital goals and interests. According to K. Boulding, the conflict arises when the "matured" contradictions are recognized by the parties as incompatible and each of the parties seeks to seize a position that excludes the intentions of the other side. Therefore, conflict contradictions are subjective-objective in nature.

Objective contradictions are those that really exist in society, regardless of the will and desire of the subjects. For example, the contradictions between labor and capital, between the managers and the ruled, the contradictions between "fathers" and "children", etc.

In addition to objectively existing (arising) contradictions, imaginary contradictions may arise in the imagination of the subject, when there are no objective reasons for the conflict, but the subject is aware (perceives) the situation as a conflict. In this case, we can talk about subjective-subjective contradictions. Another situation is also possible, when conflict contradictions really exist, but the subject believes that there are no sufficient reasons for the conflict.

Contradictions can exist for quite a long period of time and not develop into a conflict. Therefore, it must be borne in mind that the conflict is based only on those contradictions caused by incompatible interests, needs and values. Such contradictions, as a rule, give rise to an open struggle of the parties, confrontation.

The causes of the conflict can be a variety of problems, for example, a conflict over material resources, over values and the most important life attitudes, over power (domination problems), over status and role differences in the social structure, over personal (including emotional -psychological) differences, etc. Thus, conflicts cover all spheres of people's life, the totality of social relations, social interaction. Conflict but in essence is one of the types of social interaction, the subjects and participants of which are individual individuals, large and small social groups and organizations. However, conflict interaction involves the confrontation of the parties, i.e., the actions of subjects directed against each other.

It is one of the varieties of social conflict.

Structure of social conflict

In a simplified form, the structure of social conflict consists of the following elements:

an object a - the specific cause of the collision of subjects;
two or more subjects, conflicting because of any object;
incident- a formal reason for the start of an open confrontation.

Conflict is preceded by conflict situation. These are contradictions that arise between subjects about the object.

Under the influence of growing social tension, the conflict situation is gradually transforming into an open social conflict. But the tension itself can exist for a long time and not develop into a conflict. In order for the conflict to become real, an incident is needed - a formal reason for the start of the conflict.

However, the real conflict has a more complex structure. For example, in addition to subjects, it involves participants (direct and indirect), supporters, sympathizers, instigators, mediators, arbitrators, etc. Each of the participants in the conflict has its own qualitative and quantitative characteristics. An object can also have its own characteristics. In addition, the real conflict develops in a certain social and physical environment, which also influences it. Therefore, a more complete structure of the social (political) conflict will be discussed below.

The essence of social conflict

Sociological understanding and modern understanding of social conflict was first laid down by a German sociologist G. Simmel. In work "Social Conflict" he notes that the process of development of society goes through social conflict, when obsolete cultural forms become obsolete, “demolished” and new ones are born. Today, a whole branch of sociology is already engaged in the theory and practice of regulating social conflicts - conflictology. The most famous representatives of this trend are R. Dahrendorf, L. Koser. C. Bouldinghydr.

German sociologist R. Dahrendorf created theory of the conflict model of society. According to the scientist, in any society, social conflicts can arise every moment, which are based on a conflict of interests. Dahrendorf considers conflicts as an indispensable element of social life, which, being sources of innovation, contribute to the constant development of society. The main task is to learn to control them.

The American sociologist L. Koser developed the theory of positive-functional conflict. By social conflict, he understood the struggle for values and claims to a certain status, power and resources, a struggle in which the goals of opponents are to neutralize, damage or eliminate the enemy.

According to this theory, social inequality, which inevitably exists in every society and causes natural social dissatisfaction of people, often leads to social conflicts. L. Koser sees the positive functions of conflicts in the fact that they contribute to the renewal of society and stimulate social and economic progress.

General theory of conflict owned by American sociologist K. Boulding. The conflict in his understanding is a situation in which the parties realize the incompatibility of their positions and at the same time strive to get ahead of the opponent, beat him. In modern society, according to Boulding, conflicts are inevitable, so it is necessary to control and manage them. Main signs of conflict are:

the presence of a situation that is perceived by the opposing parties as a conflict;
the parties to the conflict have opposite goals, needs, interests and methods of achieving them;
interaction of the conflicting parties;
results of conflict interaction;
using pressure and even force.

Of great importance for the sociological analysis of social conflicts is the identification of the main types. There are the following types of conflicts:

1. by the number of participants in the conflict interaction:

intrapersonal- the state of dissatisfaction of a person with any circumstances of his life, which are associated with the presence of contradictory needs, interests. aspirations and can cause affects;
interpersonal— disagreement between two or more members of one group or several groups;
intergroup- occur between social groups that pursue incompatible goals and interfere with each other with their practical actions;

2. according to the direction of conflict interaction:

horizontal- between people who are not subordinate to each other;
vertical- between people who are subordinate to each other;
mixed- in which both are presented. The most common are vertical and mixed conflicts, averaging 70-80% of all conflicts;

3. according to the source of occurrence:

objectively determined- caused by objective reasons, which can be eliminated only by changing the objective situation;
subjectively determined- associated with the personal characteristics of conflicting people, as well as with situations that create barriers to satisfying their desires, aspirations, interests;

4. According to its functions:

creative (integrative)- contributing to the renewal, the introduction of new structures, policies, leadership;
destructive (disintegrative)— destabilizing social systems;

5. according to the duration of the course:

short-term- caused by mutual misunderstanding or mistakes of the parties, which are quickly recognized;
protracted- associated with deep moral and psychological trauma or with objective difficulties. The duration of the conflict depends both on the subject of the contradiction and on the character traits of the people involved;

6. according to its internal content:

rational- covering the sphere of reasonable, business rivalry, redistribution of resources;
emotional- in which participants act on the basis of personal dislike;

7. according to the ways and means of resolving conflicts there are peaceful and armed:

8. taking into account the content of the problems that caused conflict actions, they distinguish economic, political, family, household, industrial, spiritual, moral, legal, environmental, ideological and other conflicts.

The analysis of the course of the conflict is carried out in accordance with its three main stages: pre-conflict situation, the conflict itself and the resolution stage.

Pre-conflict situation- this is the period when the conflicting parties evaluate their resources, forces and consolidate into opposing groups. At the same stage, each of the parties forms its own strategy of behavior and chooses a way to influence the enemy.

Direct conflict- this is the active part of the conflict, characterized by the presence of an incident, i.e. social actions aimed at changing the opponent's behavior. The actions themselves are of two types:

actions of rivals that are open in nature (verbal debate, physical impact, economic sanctions, etc.);
hidden actions of rivals (associated with the desire to deceive, confuse the opponent, impose on him an unfavorable course of action).

The main course of action in a hidden internal conflict is reflective control, meaning that one of the opponents, through "deceptive movements", is trying to get the other person to act in this way. how beneficial to him.

Conflict Resolution is possible only when the conflict situation is eliminated, and not only when the incident is exhausted. The resolution of the conflict can also occur as a result of the depletion of the resources of the parties or the intervention of a third party, creating an advantage for one of the parties, and, finally, as a result of the complete exhaustion of the opponent.

Successful conflict resolution requires the following conditions:

timely determination of the causes of the conflict;
definition business conflict zone- causes, contradictions, interests, goals of the conflicting parties:
mutual desire of the parties to overcome contradictions;
joint search for ways to overcome the conflict.

There are various conflict resolution methods:

conflict avoidance- departure from the "scene" of conflict interaction physically or psychologically, but the conflict itself in this case is not eliminated, since the cause that gave rise to it remains;
negotiation- allow to avoid the use of violence, achieve mutual understanding and find a way to cooperation;
use of intermediaries- conciliation procedure. An experienced mediator, which can be an organization and an individual, will help to quickly resolve the conflict there. where without his participation it would not have been possible;
postponement- in fact, this is a surrender of its position, but only temporary, since as the forces accumulate, the side will most likely try to return what was lost;
arbitration or arbitration, - a method in which the norms of laws and rights are strictly guided.

The consequences of conflict can be:

1. positive:

resolution of accumulated contradictions;
stimulation of the process of social change;
convergence of conflicting groups;
strengthening the cohesion of each of the rival camps;

2. negative:

tension;
destabilization;
disintegration.

Conflict resolution can be:

complete- the conflict ends completely;
partial- the conflict changes the external form, but retains motivation.

Of course, it is difficult to foresee all the variety of conflict situations that life creates for us. Therefore, in resolving conflicts, much should be decided on the spot based on the specific situation, as well as the individual psychological characteristics of the participants in the conflict.

One of the conditions for the development of society is the confrontation of different groups. The more complex the structure of society, the more it is fragmented and the greater the risk of such a phenomenon as social conflict. Thanks to him, the development of all mankind as a whole takes place.

What is social conflict?

This is the highest stage at which confrontation develops in relations between individuals, groups, and the whole society as a whole. The concept of social conflict means the contradiction of two or more parties. In addition, intrapersonal confrontation is also distinguished, when a person has needs and interests that contradict each other. This problem dates back more than one millennium, and it is based on the position that some should be “at the helm”, while others should obey.

What causes social conflicts?

The foundation is contradictions of a subjective-objective nature. Objective contradictions include the confrontation between "fathers" and "children", bosses and subordinates, labor and capital. The subjective causes of social conflicts depend on the perception of the situation by each individual and his attitude towards it. Conflictologists identify a variety of grounds for the emergence of confrontation, here are the main ones:

Aggression, which can be shown by all animals, including humans.
Overcrowding and environmental factors.
hostility towards society.
Social and economic inequality.
Cultural contradictions.

Separately taken individuals and groups can conflict because of material goods, paramount life attitudes and values, powers of power, etc. In any field of activity, a dispute can arise due to incompatible needs and interests. However, not all contradictions develop into confrontation. They talk about it only under conditions of active confrontation and open struggle.

Participants in social conflict

First of all, these are people standing on both sides of the barricades. In the course of the current situation, they can be both individuals and legal entities. The peculiarities of social conflict are that it is based on certain disagreements, because of which the interests of the participants collide. There is also an object that may have a material, spiritual or social form and which each of the participants seeks to obtain. And their immediate environment is the micro or macro environment.

Social conflict - pros and cons

On the one hand, an open clash allows society to evolve, to achieve certain agreements and understandings. As a result, its individual members learn to adapt to unfamiliar conditions, to take into account the desires of other individuals. On the other hand, modern social conflicts and their consequences cannot be predicted. In the case of the most difficult development of events, society can completely collapse.

Functions of social conflict

The former are constructive, while the latter are destructive. Constructive ones are positive - they defuse tension, carry out changes in society, etc. Destructive ones bring destruction and chaos, they destabilize relations in a certain environment, destroy the social community. The positive function of social conflict is to strengthen the society as a whole and the relations between its members. Negative - destabilizes society.

Stages of social conflict

The stages of conflict development are:

Hidden. Tension in communication between subjects is growing due to the desire of each to improve their position and achieve superiority.
Voltage. The main stages of social conflict include tension. Moreover, the greater the power and superiority of the dominant side, the stronger it is. The irreconcilability of the parties leads to a very strong confrontation.
Antagonism. This is a consequence of high tension.
Incompatibility. Actually, the opposition itself.
Completion. Resolution of the situation.

Types of social conflicts

They can be labor, economic, political, educational, social security, etc. As already mentioned, they can occur between individuals and within each. Here is a common classification:

In accordance with the source of occurrence - a confrontation of values, interests and identification.
According to the consequences for society, the main types of social conflicts are divided into constructive and destructive, successful and unsuccessful.
According to the degree of impact on the environment - short-term, medium-term, long-term, acute, large-scale, regional, local, etc.
In accordance with the location of opponents - horizontal and vertical. In the first case, people who are on the same level are arguing, and in the second, the boss and the subordinate.
According to the method of struggle - peaceful and armed.
Depending on the degree of openness - hidden and open. In the first case, the rivals influence each other by indirect methods, and in the second they move on to open quarrels and disputes.
In accordance with the composition of the participants - organizational, group, political.

Ways to resolve social conflicts

Most effective ways conflict resolution:

avoidance of confrontation. That is, one of the participants leaves the "stage" physically or psychologically, but the conflict situation itself remains, since the cause that gave rise to it has not been eliminated.
Negotiation. Both sides are trying to find common ground and a path to cooperation.
Intermediaries. include the use of intermediaries. His role can be played by both an organization and an individual who, thanks to the available opportunities and experience, does what would be impossible to do without his participation.
postponing. In fact, one of the opponents is only temporarily losing ground, wanting to accumulate strength and re-enter the social conflict, trying to regain what was lost.
Appeal to arbitration or arbitration court. At the same time, the confrontation is dealt with in accordance with the norms of law and law.
Force method with the involvement of the military, equipment and weapons, that is, in fact, war.

What are the consequences of social conflicts?

Scientists consider this phenomenon from a functionalist and sociological point of view. In the first case, the confrontation is clearly negative and leads to such consequences as:

Destabilization of society. The levers of control no longer work, chaos and unpredictability reign in society.
The consequences of social conflict also include participants in certain goals, which are to defeat the enemy. At the same time, all other problems fade into the background.
Loss of hope for further friendly relations with the opponent.
Participants in the confrontation are removed from society, they feel dissatisfied, and so on.
Those who consider confrontation from a sociological point of view believe that this phenomenon also has positive aspects:
With an interest in a positive outcome of the case, people are united and mutual understanding is strengthened between them. Everyone feels his involvement in what is happening, and does everything so that the social conflict has a peaceful outcome.
Existing structures and institutions are being updated and new ones are being formed. In the newly emerged groups, a certain balance of interests is created, which guarantees relative stability.
Managed conflict additionally stimulates the participants. They develop new ideas and solutions, that is, they “grow” and develop.

Lecture:

social conflict

Despite the fact that conflicts leave unpleasant memories, it is completely impossible to avoid them, because this is one of the ways people interact. In the process of his life, a person finds himself in various conflict situations that arise even for a minor reason.

social conflict is a way of social interaction, which consists in the clash and confrontation of opposing interests, goals and methods of action individuals or groups.

According to their attitude to the conflict, people were divided into two groups. Some perceive it as stress and seek to eliminate the causes of the conflict. Others consider it a natural and inevitable form of human relations and are convinced that a person should be able to be in it without experiencing excessive tension and excitement.

The subjects of the conflict are not only the warring parties themselves, but also

instigators who encourage people to conflict,
accomplices, pushing participants with their advice, technical assistance to conflict actions,
mediators seeking to prevent, stop or resolve conflict,

witnesses watching events from the sidelines.

The subject of social conflict is any issue or benefit (money, power, legal status, etc.). BUT causes lie in social circumstances. For example, unfavorable working conditions can become a cause of conflict between an employee and an employer. Conflict is based on objective or subjective contradictions. The former, unlike the latter, are conditioned by processes that do not depend on the will and consciousness of the parties. Any minor occasion, arising by chance or created on purpose.

Consequences of social conflict

Despite the undesirability of conflicts, they still perform the functions necessary for society. Social conflicts are positive if

inform about the soreness of any part of the social system, about the existence of social tension and mobilize to solve existing problems;
stimulate changes and renewal of social relations, social institutions or the entire social system as a whole;
strengthen group cohesion or encourage actors in the conflict to cooperate.

negative parties to the conflict are

creation of stressful situations;

destabilization of social life;

distraction from the solution of their official tasks.

Types of social conflict

Types of social conflicts
By duration	short-term, long-term and long-term
By frequency	one-time and recurring
By level of organization	individual, group, regional, local and global
By type of relationship	intrapersonal, interpersonal, intergroup and international
By content	economic, political, legal, labor, family, ideological, religious, etc.
By factors	rational and emotional
According to the degree of openness	hidden and obvious
By shape	internal (with oneself) and external (with other people)

Stages of social conflict

In its development, social conflict goes through four stages or stages:

The conflict starts with pre-conflict situation consisting of two phases. In the latent (latent) phase, the conflict situation is just being formed, and in the open phase, the parties are aware of the emergence of a conflict situation and feel tension.

The next step is actual conflict . This is the main stage of the conflict, which also consists of two phases. In the first phase, the parties develop a psychological attitude to fight, they openly defend their rightness and seek to suppress the enemy. And the surrounding people (instigators, accomplices, mediators, witnesses) by their actions form the conditions for the course of the conflict. They can escalate, contain conflict, or remain neutral. In the second phase, there is a turning point and a reassessment of values. At this phase, there are several options for the behavior of the parties to the conflict: bringing it to the peak of tension, mutual concessions, or complete resolution.

The choice of the third variant of behavior indicates the transition of the conflict to completion stage confrontation.

Post-conflict stage characterized by the final settlement of contradictions and the peaceful interaction of the parties to the conflict.

Ways to resolve social conflicts

What are the ways to resolve the conflict? There are several of them:

Avoidance- avoidance of the conflict, silence of the problem (this method does not resolve the conflict, but only temporarily softens or delays it).

Compromise- solution of the problem through mutual concessions that satisfy all the warring parties.

Negotiation- peaceful exchange of proposals, opinions, arguments aimed at finding a joint solution to an existing problem.

Mediation- involvement of a third party to resolve the conflict.

Arbitration- an appeal to an authoritative authority endowed with special powers and complying with legislative norms (for example, the administration of an institution, a court).