Social Studies JSS 3 Week 1
Topic: Conflicts
Contents:
- Meaning of Conflict
- Types of Conflicts
- Examples of Conflicts in Nigeria
- Causes of Conflicts
- Effects of conflict on the society
- Conflict management and resolution
Meaning of Conflict
Conflict is the breakdown of a harmonious relationship, arising from a clash of interests. It also means disagreement, struggle and quarrel between people. Conflict is natural in every human society. It could occur due to differences in views, opinions and ambitions of the individuals with those of the group.
Types of Conflicts
Conflicts can be classified into two types; they are:
- Peaceful or non-violent conflict: This is defined as the conflict that does not involve the use of force; it could be inform of a disagreement of workers and management over salaries, it is a trade dispute and it is non-violent conflict because the workers and the management will hold a dialogue to resolve area of disagreement.
- Violent Conflict: A conflict is violent when it is not settled peacefully and it leads to war. An example is the 1967-1970 civil war in Nigeria which arose as a result of lack of co-operation among Nigerians. In a violent conflict, property is destroyed and people are displaced , injured, or killed.
Examples of Conflicts in Nigeria
The two types of conflicts explained has occurred in Nigeria in different places at different times. In a work place for instance, a peaceful conflicts occur among workers and management, another one occurs between students and school authorities; these are inter personal disagreement and they are usually non violent
There have also been inter-group or inter-ethnic conflicts. Some examples of this type of conflicts include the fighting between Hausa and the Kataf in Kaduna state, the Yoruba and the Hausa, Hausa and Igbo etc
Intra- ethnic conflict occurs when members of the same ethnic group starts fighting among themselves, example is the conflicts between Modakeke and Ife in Osun state
Causes of Conflicts
The following points below are the causes of conflicts
- Conflict can arise when someone or group or a group of people neglect their roles or duties
- When the funds of the community or the people are mismanaged by leaders, there is bound to be conflict
- Conflicts can arise when people struggle to get something that other people are also interested in.
- Conflicts also occur in groups, associations and between groups as a result of difference in opinions
- Differences in in the interpretation of the aims or objectives of a group or association
- Absence of mutual trust and understanding amongst people brings about conflict
- It occurs when someone is domination other members of a group
- Rudeness/stubbornness may cause conflict.
Effects of Conflicts on the society
The following are the effects of conflicts on the society
- Conflicts result into the break down of law and order
- It makes it difficult for people to achieve common goals and objectives
- Conflicts bring about disunity
- It brings about hatred and disaffection among members of a group or association
- It leads to confusion , insecurity, anxiety and unhappiness
- It leads to unhealthy political rivalry
- It leads to inefficiency and laziness
- It leads to division and separation
- It causes mental and emotional disturbances
- It leads to a decrease in productivity and economic depression
- It leads to loss of lives and properties
- It brings lack of peace and harmony
Conflict management and Resolution
Conflict management can be defined in two ways.
- It can be referred to as the effort made to stop the conflict from arising
- It is the effort made when the conflict has already started, to minimize its destructive impact
Conflict resolution refers to the deliberate efforts made at resolving disputes for peace and stability of the warring communities. It brings a conflict to a final end as it ensures that all parties to the conflict are satisfied with the settlement.
Test and Exercise
- Differentiate between conflict resolution and conflict management
- List 5 causes of conflicts
- Give 10 effects of conflicts on the society
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