What are the stages of social conflict? Ways to resolve social conflicts

It is generally accepted to distinguish the following stages of conflict: conflict situation, within which the determinants of the conflict are formed, provoking social tension; awareness social actors diverge in their interests and values, as well as the factors that determine the formation of goals and ways to achieve them; open conflict interaction, where special attention is drawn to the processes of escalation and de-escalation of the conflict; end of the conflict, where the greatest importance is given to taking into account the possible results and consequences of both the previous confrontation and the method of regulating it.

It is known that in practice it is not always possible to accurately determine the beginning of a conflict, the limit of transition of a conflict situation into open confrontation. It is even more difficult to determine the boundaries of the stages.

In Western socio-psychological literature, the dynamics of conflict are understood in two ways: broad and narrow. In the broadest sense of the word, dynamics is interpreted as a sequential change of certain stages or phases that characterize the process of conflict unfolding from the emergence of a conflict situation to the resolution of the conflict. In the narrow sense of the word, the dynamics of the conflict are considered in the context of only one, but its most acute stage - conflict interaction.

For example:

The emergence of causes of conflict;

The emergence of a feeling of dissatisfaction (resentment, indignation);

Proposal to eliminate the causes of the conflict;

Failure to comply with this requirement;

Conflict.

In this case, the beginning of the conflict is actually revealed, but the dynamics from the beginning of the conflict to its resolution are not shown.

Many authors, studying the dynamics of the conflict, focus on the relationship between objective and subjective factors, where the determining factor is still subjective (awareness of the conflict situation by at least one of the parties). Pointing out the importance of awareness of a conflict situation, they argue that social phenomena and processes are predictable and controllable. The personality, sometimes included in them regardless of her will and consciousness, can contribute to the development of events.

Thus, we note that conflict is a complex dynamic formation that has its own boundaries, content, stages and its own forms of dynamics.

All the variety of forms of conflict dynamics can be reduced to three main forms.

1. The conflict has cyclical character and goes through a predictable sequence of stages. The conflict arises, develops, the intensity of combat reaches its climax, and then, after measures have been taken to resolve the situation, the tension gradually or quickly subsides.

2. Conflict is phase process. The interaction of subjects leads to the transformation of the social situation. Living conditions, the nature and content of social relations, the principles and rules of individual behavior, the social structure and status of individuals or social groups change.

3. Conflict is interaction two subjects (individuals, social groups), in which the actions of one side are a reaction to the actions of the other side.

In real social life, these forms are rarely found in their pure form. As a rule, conflicts have mixed forms. Very often, a conflict first takes one form and then moves into another. This is especially true for protracted conflicts. Even a strike, representing a relatively pure form of cyclic conflict with pronounced stages, can turn into a phase form.

Of greatest interest is the almost universal scheme of the dynamics of conflict development, which distinguishes a latent (pre-conflict) period, an open period (the conflict itself), and a latent period (post-conflict situation).

A more complete and reliable understanding of the dynamics of the conflict involves identifying the following stages:

1) latent stage;

2) identification stage;

3) incident;

4) escalation stage;

5) critical stage;

6) de-escalation stage;

7) termination stage.

Latent stage potential rivals do not yet recognize themselves as such. This stage includes the following stages: the emergence of an objective problem situation; awareness of the objective problem situation by the subjects of interaction; attempts by the parties to resolve an objective problem situation in non-conflict ways; the emergence of a pre-conflict situation.

The emergence of an objective problem situation . Apart from cases of false conflict, conflict is usually generated by an objective problem situation. The essence of such a situation is the emergence of a contradiction between subjects (their goals, actions, motives, aspirations, etc.). Since the contradiction has not yet been realized and there are no conflicting actions, this situation is called problematic. It is the result of the action of predominantly objective reasons. Arising every day in production, business, everyday life, family and other areas of life, many problematic situations exist for a long time without manifesting themselves.

One of the conditions for such a transition is awareness of the objective problem situation.

Awareness of an objective problem situation. The perception of reality as problematic, the understanding of the need to take some action to resolve the contradiction constitute the meaning of this stage. The presence of an obstacle to the realization of interests contributes to the fact that the problem situation is perceived subjectively, with distortions. Subjectivity of perception is generated not only by the nature of the psyche, but also by the social differences of the participants in communication. These include values, social attitudes, ideals and interests. Individuality of awareness is also generated by differences in knowledge, needs, and other characteristics of the participants in the interaction. The more complex the situation and the faster it develops, the greater the likelihood of it being distorted by opponents.

An attempt by the parties to resolve an objective problem situation in non-conflict ways. Awareness of a contradiction does not always automatically entail conflicting opposition from the parties. Often at least one of them tries to solve the problem in non-conflict ways (persuasion, explanation, requests, informing the opposing side). Sometimes the participant in the interaction gives in, not wanting the problem situation to escalate into a conflict. In any case, at this stage the parties argue their interests and fix their positions.

The emergence of a pre-conflict situation. The conflict is perceived as a threat to the security of one of the parties to the interaction, a threat to some socially important interests. Moreover, the opponent’s actions are considered not as a potential threat (this is typical for a problematic situation), but as an immediate one. Exactly feeling of immediate threat contributes to the development of the situation towards conflict, is a “trigger” of conflict behavior.

Each of the conflicting parties is looking for ways to achieve goals without influencing the opponent. When all attempts to achieve the desired result are in vain, the individual or social group determines the object that interferes with the achievement of goals, the degree of its “guilt,” the strength and possibilities of counteraction. This moment in a pre-conflict situation is called identification. In other words, it is a search for those who interfere with the satisfaction of needs and against whom aggressive actions should be taken.

A distinctive feature of the latent stage and the identification stage is that they form the prerequisite for the transition to active conflict actions aimed at directly or indirectly blocking the achievement of the opposing party’s intended goals and realizing one’s own intentions. Thus, an incident occurs one by one and the stage of escalation of the conflict begins.

Incident(from Lat. incidens - an incident that happens) represents the first clash of the parties, a test of strength, an attempt to use force to solve the problem in one’s favor. The incident of a conflict must be distinguished from its cause. Reason - this is the specific event that serves as an impetus, a subject for the beginning of conflict actions. Moreover, it may arise by chance, or it may be specially invented, but, in any case, the reason is not yet a conflict. In contrast, an incident is already a conflict, its beginning.

For example, the Sarajevo murder - the murder of the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne Franz Ferdinand and his wife, carried out on June 28, 1914 (new style) in the city of Sarajevo, was used by Austria-Hungary as occasion to start the First World War. Already on July 15, 1914, Austria-Hungary, under direct pressure from Germany, declared war on Serbia. And the direct invasion of Poland by Germany on September 1, 1939 is no longer a reason, but incident, indicating the beginning of World War II.

The incident reveals the positions of the parties and makes explicit division into “friends” and “strangers”, friends and enemies, allies and opponents. After the incident, “who is who” becomes clear, because the masks have already been dropped. However, the real strengths of the opponents are not yet fully known and it is unclear how far one or another participant in the conflict can go in the confrontation. And this uncertainty of the true forces and resources (material, physical, financial, mental, information, etc.) of the enemy is a very important factor in restraining the development of the conflict at its initial stage. At the same time, this uncertainty contributes to the further development of the conflict. Because it is clear that if both sides had a clear understanding of the enemy’s potential and resources, then many conflicts would be stopped from the very beginning. The weaker side would not, in many cases, aggravate the useless confrontation, and the stronger side, without hesitation, would suppress the enemy with its power. In both cases, the incident would have been resolved fairly quickly.

Thus, an incident often creates an ambivalent situation in the attitudes and actions of opponents of the conflict. On the one hand, you want to quickly “get into a fight” and win, but on the other hand, it is difficult to enter the water “without knowing the ford.”

Therefore, important elements of the development of the conflict at this stage are: “reconnaissance”, collecting information about the true capabilities and intentions of opponents, searching for allies and attracting additional forces to one’s side. Since the confrontation in the incident is local in nature, the full potential of the parties to the conflict has not yet been demonstrated. Although all forces are already beginning to be brought into combat mode.

However, even after the incident, it remains possible to resolve the conflict peacefully, through negotiations to reach compromise between the subjects of the conflict. And this opportunity should be used to the fullest.

If after the incident it was not possible to find a compromise and prevent further development of the conflict, then the first incident is followed by the second, third, etc. The conflict enters the next stage - it occurs escalation (increase). So, after the first incident in World War II - the German invasion of Poland - others followed, no less dangerous. Already in April - May 1940, German troops occupied Denmark and Norway, in May they invaded Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, and then France. In April 1941, Germany captured the territory of Greece and Yugoslavia, and on June 22, 1941, attacked the Soviet Union.

Conflict escalation - This is its key, most intense stage, when all the contradictions between its participants intensify and all opportunities are used to win the confrontation.

The only question is: “who will win”, because this is no longer a local battle, but a full-scale battle. All resources are mobilized: material, political, financial, informational, physical, mental and others.

At this stage, any negotiations or other peaceful means of resolving the conflict become difficult. Emotions often begin to drown out reason, logic gives way to feelings. The main task is to cause as much harm as possible to the enemy at any cost. Therefore, at this stage, the original cause and main goal of the conflict may be lost and new reasons and new goals will come to the fore. During this stage of the conflict, a change in value orientations is also possible; in particular, values-means and values-goals can change places. The development of the conflict becomes spontaneous and uncontrollable.

Among the main points characterizing the stage of conflict escalation, the following can be highlighted:

1) creating an image of the enemy;

2) demonstration of force and threat of its use;

3) use of violence;

4) a tendency to expand and deepen the conflict.

On the stage escalation , according to D. Pruitt and D. Rabin, the conflict is undergoing the following transformations.

1. From light to heavy. Conflict of lighter forms develops into conflict with more severe forms of interaction (for example, a simple difference in opinions, views, etc. develops into fierce rivalry).

2. From small to large. The parties are becoming increasingly involved in the struggle and attracting ever-increasing resources in an effort to achieve transformation.

3. From specific to general. During the escalation of the conflict, the “loss” of its object and purpose occurs. The subject area of ​​the conflict is expanding.

4. From effective actions to victory and, further, to damage to the other party.

5. From few to many. Initially, episodic conflict clashes occur on individual issues. During the escalation, “clashes” become constant and for any reason.

Thus, even the most seemingly insignificant conflict can grow like a snowball, involving an increasing number of participants, acquiring new incidents and increasing the tension in relations between the warring parties.

Having reached its peak - critical stage the parties continue to provide balanced counteraction however, the intensity of the struggle is decreasing. The parties realize that continuing the conflict by force does not produce results, but actions to reach agreement have not yet been taken.

Extinction (de-escalation) of the conflict consists in the transition from conflict resistance to finding a solution to the problem and ending the conflict for any reason. At this stage of development of confrontation, a variety of possible situations, which encourage both parties or one of them to end the conflict. Such situations include:

A clear weakening of one or both sides or the exhaustion of their resources, which does not allow further confrontation;

The obvious futility of continuing the conflict and its awareness by its participants. This situation is associated with the belief that further struggle does not give advantages to either side and there is no end in sight to this struggle;

The revealed predominant superiority of one of the parties and its ability to suppress the opponent or impose its will on him;

The appearance of a third party in the conflict and its ability and desire to stop the confrontation.

Associated with these situations are ways to complete conflicts, which can also be very diverse. The most typical ones are the following:

1) elimination (destruction) of an opponent or both opponents of the confrontation;

2) elimination (destruction) of the object of the conflict;

3) change in the positions of both or one of the parties to the conflict;

4) participation in the conflict of a new force capable of ending it through coercion;

5) the appeal of the subjects of the conflict to the arbitrator and its completion through the mediation of an arbitrator;

6) negotiations as one of the most effective and common methods of conflict resolution.

By nature termination stage conflict can be:

1) with from the point of view of realizing the goals of confrontation:

victorious;

Compromise;

Defeatist;

2) from the point of view of the form of conflict resolution:

peaceful;

Violent;

3) from the point of view of conflict functions:

Constructive;

Destructive;

4) in terms of efficiency and completeness of resolution:

completely and radically completed;

Postponed for some (or indefinite) time.

It should be noted that the concepts of “conflict resolution” and “conflict resolution” are not identical. Conflict resolution is a special case, one of the forms of ending the conflict, and is expressed in positive, constructive solving the problem by the main parties to the conflict or a third party. But besides this forms The end of the conflict can be: settlement, attenuation (fading) of a conflict, elimination of a conflict, escalation of a conflict into another conflict.

Stages of conflict. Sociologists argue that conflict interaction is a normal state of society. After all, any society, regardless of era, is characterized by the presence of situations of confrontation. Even when interpersonal interaction is built harmoniously and is based on mutual understanding, clashes are inevitable. In order for confrontations not to destroy the life of society, for social interaction to be adequate, it is necessary to know the main stages of conflict development, which will help to identify the moment of emergence of confrontation and effectively smooth out rough edges in disputes and disagreements. Most psychologists recommend using confrontation as a source of self-learning and life experience. Analysis of a conflict situation allows you to learn more about your own person, the subjects involved in the confrontation and the situation that provoked the confrontation.

Stages of conflict development

It is customary to distinguish four concepts of the stage of development of conflicts: the pre-conflict stage, the conflict itself, the stage of conflict resolution and the post-conflict stage.

So, the main stages of the conflict: pre-conflict stage. It begins with a pre-conflict situation, since any confrontation is initially preceded by an increase in tension in the interaction of potential subjects of the conflict process, provoked by certain contradictions. Moreover, not all contradictions and do not always lead to conflict. Only those differences entail a conflict process that are recognized by the subjects of confrontation as opposition of goals, interests and values. Tension is the psychological state of individuals, which is hidden before the start of the conflict process.

Dissatisfaction is considered one of the key factors in the emergence of conflicts.

Accumulation of dissatisfaction due to the status quo or developments leads to increased tension. A potential subject of conflict confrontation, dissatisfied with the objectively current state of affairs, finds the alleged and real culprits of his dissatisfaction. At the same time, the subjects of a conflict encounter understand that the current situation of confrontation cannot be resolved by the usual methods of interaction. In this way, the problematic situation gradually develops into an obvious clash. At the same time, a controversial situation can exist regardless of subjective-objective conditions for a long time, without directly transforming into a conflict. For a conflict process to begin, an incident is needed, that is, a formal pretext for a direct confrontation between the participants. An incident may occur accidentally or be provoked by a subject of conflict. Moreover, it may also be the result of the natural course of events.

A conflict situation, as a stage in the development of a conflict, is not always identified, since often a clash can begin directly with a collision of the parties, in other words, it begins with an incident.

According to the nature of its origin, four types of conflict situations are distinguished: objectively purposeful and unfocused, subjectively purposeful and unfocused.

A conflict situation, as a stage of conflict, is created by one opponent or several participants in the interaction and most often is a condition for the emergence of a conflict process.

As mentioned above, for a direct collision to occur, there must be an incident coupled with a situation of confrontation. In this case, the situation of confrontation arises before the incident (incident). It can be formed objectively, that is, outside the desires of people, and subjectively, as a result of motives of behavior and conscious aspirations of opposing participants.

The main stages of conflict development are the conflict itself.

The beginning of an obvious confrontation between the participants is a consequence of a conflict style of behavioral response, which is understood as actions aimed at the confronting party in order to seize, retain the object of the dispute, or force the opponent to change his own intentions or renounce them.

There are four forms of conflict behavior style:

— challenge or active-conflict style;

- response to a challenge or passive-conflict style;

— conflict-compromise model;

- compromising behavior.

The confrontation acquires its own logic and development depending on the problematic attitude and style of conflicting behavioral response of the participants. The developing confrontation is characterized by a tendency to create additional reasons for its own aggravation and expansion. Therefore, each confrontation has its own stages of conflict dynamics and is, to a certain extent, unique.

The confrontation can develop according to two scenarios: enter the escalation phase or avoid it. In other words, the dynamics of the development of a collision at the conflict stage is designated by the term escalation, which is characterized by an increase in the destructive actions of the warring parties. Escalation of conflicts can often lead to irreversible consequences.

There are usually three main stages of conflict dynamics that occur at this stage:

— the growth of confrontation from a latent form into an open clash of opponents;

— further growth (escalation) of the conflict;

- the confrontation reaches its peak and takes the form of a general war, in which no means are disdained.

At the last stage of the conflict, development occurs as follows: the conflicting participants “forget” the real causes of the conflict. For them, the main goal is to cause maximum damage to the enemy.

The main stages of conflict development are resolution of confrontation.

The intensity and duration of confrontation depend on many conditions and factors. At a certain stage of the confrontation, the opposing participants may significantly change their opinion about their own potential and about the capabilities of the opponent. That is, the time has come for a “reassessment of values”, due to renewed relationships that arose as a result of the conflict, awareness of the exorbitant “cost” of success or the impossibility of achieving goals. This pushes opponents to transform their tactics and style of conflict confrontation. At this stage, one or both of the opposing sides strive to find ways to resolve the problem situation, as a result of which, as a rule, the intensity of the struggle subsides. This is where the process of ending conflict interaction begins. However, this does not exclude a new exacerbation.

The final stage of confrontation is post-conflict.

The end of direct confrontation between opponents does not always mark a complete resolution of the confrontation. In many ways, the degree of satisfaction of the subjects of conflict interaction or dissatisfaction of the participants with the “concluded peace agreements” is characterized by dependence on the following provisions:

- whether the goal pursued by the conflict has been achieved and how satisfied it is;

- by what means and methods the confrontation was carried out;

— how great is the damage to the parties (for example, material);

— how high is the degree of infringement of the opponents’ sense of dignity;

- whether during the conclusion of “peace” it was possible to eliminate the emotional tension of the participants;

— what methods were the basis of negotiation interaction;

— to what extent it was possible to coordinate the interests of the participants;

- whether the compromise solution was imposed as a result of coercion or was the result of mutual finding a way to resolve the conflict;

— what is the reaction of the social environment to the results of the conflict.

Stages of social conflict

When taking a direct part in a confrontation, it is quite difficult to abstract yourself and think about something else, since often the difference in views is quite sharp. At the same time, observers of confrontation can easily identify the main stages of social conflict. Sociologists usually disagree about the number of stages of social confrontation. But they are all similar in their definition of social confrontation. In a narrow sense, social confrontation refers to confrontation, the cause of which was disagreement among social communities in the justification of work activity, a general deterioration in the economic condition and status position, or in comparison with other groups, a decrease in the level of satisfaction with joint activities. A characteristic feature of social confrontation is the existence of an object of confrontation, the possession of which has a connection with those involved in social confrontation.

The main stages of social conflict: latent (hidden increase in discontent), peak of social tension (explicit expression of confrontation, active actions of participants), conflict resolution (reduction of social tension by overcoming the crisis).

The latent stage marks the stage at which conflict begins. Often it is not even noticeable to an outside observer. All actions of this stage develop at the social, everyday and psychological level.

Examples of the conflict stage are origin (conversations in smoking rooms or offices). The growth of this phase can be tracked by a number of indirect signs. At the latent stage of the conflict, examples of signs can be given as follows: an increase in the number of absenteeism, dismissals.

This stage can be quite lengthy in duration.

The peak phase is the critical point of opposition. At the peak stage of the conflict, the interaction between the warring parties reaches its utmost severity and intensity. It is important to be able to identify the passage of this point, since the situation of confrontation after its peak, as a rule, can be managed. At the same time, sociologists argue that intervention in a collision at the peak phase is useless, often even dangerous.

At the peak stage of the conflict, the following examples can be given: armed mass uprisings, territorial disagreements between powers, strikes.

The extinction of confrontation occurs due to either the exhaustion of the resources of one of the parties involved, or the achievement of an agreement.

Stages of conflict resolution

Social confrontation will continue until obvious and clear conditions arise for its completion. An external sign of the end of the conflict may be the end of the incident, which means the end of the conflict interaction between the subjects of the confrontation. The completion of conflict interaction is considered a necessary, but at the same time insufficient condition for the extinction of confrontation. Because in certain circumstances, an extinguished conflict can flare up again. In other words, the situation of an incompletely resolved conflict provokes its resumption on the same foundation or due to a new reason.

However, incomplete resolution of the confrontation still cannot be considered as a harmful action. Often it is determined objectively, since not every conflict is resolved on the first try and forever. On the contrary, human existence is filled with conflicts that are resolved either temporarily or partially.

The concepts of the stage of conflicts enable the subjects of confrontation to outline the most adequate behavioral model.

The confrontation resolution stage involves the following variations in the development of the situation:

— the clear superiority of one subject of interaction allows him to impose his own conditions for completing the collision on the opponent;

- the struggle can drag on until one of the participants surrenders;

- due to a shortage of resources, the struggle becomes long-lasting and sluggish;

— having used all resources without identifying an undisputed winner, subjects make concessions;

- confrontation can be stopped under pressure from a third party.

The stage of resolving conflict interaction, with the ability to regulate confrontation, can and even should begin before the conflict itself arises. For this purpose, it is recommended to use the following forms of constructive resolution: collective discussion, negotiations, etc.

There are many ways to end a confrontation constructively. For the most part, these methods are aimed at modifying the situation of confrontation itself; they also use influence on the subjects of the conflict or change the characteristics of the conflict object.

From the above, it becomes clear how important a social task is the ability to take the development of a conflict under control, prevent it from growing, reduce its negative consequences, and develop an effective mechanism for resolving the conflict. To do this, you need to understand the features of the following four main stages of development of social conflict.

Pre-conflict stage(stage of latent conflict) is characterized by the gradual development of a conflict situation based on the aggravation of contradictions between social groups and the latter’s awareness of the divergence of their interests. As a result, a psychological attitude of the parties towards conflict behavior begins to form. It is commonly said that at this stage the conflict still exists in a latent (hidden) form. It is important to remember that it is at this stage that the most favorable opportunities exist to prevent the emergence of an open conflict by resolving accumulated contradictions. If this does not happen, then some reason will begin the development of a latent conflict into an open conflict.

Conflict behavior(stage of open conflict). This stage is characterized by direct confrontation between the conflicting parties, during which each of them seeks to thwart the enemy’s intentions and achieve their goals. The emotional state of the participants in the conflict is characterized by a sharp increase in hostility, aggressiveness, and the formation of an “enemy image.” The outcome of the confrontation depends primarily on the resources at the disposal of the participants in the conflict (power, economic, information, demographic, moral and psychological, etc.), as well as on the state of the surrounding social environment.

Conflict resolution stage. At this stage, the outcome of the conflict is revealed, which can be reduced to one of the following three options. Firstly, it is a complete victory of one of the parties, which imposes its will on the defeated enemy. Although often this option turns out to be quite optimal (for example, in the case of a decisive, uncompromising elimination of reactionary political forces from the political arena through defeat), much more often it is the germ of a new conflict, generating a desire for revenge on the defeated side. Secondly, in the case of approximate equality of resources of the opponents, the conflict may not end with a clear victory for either side and may last for quite a long time in a less acute, “smoldering” form (for example, the current state of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh) or ends formal reconciliation that does not eliminate the underlying causes of the conflict. Thirdly, this is the resolution of the conflict on terms that suit all its participants. To achieve this outcome, which turns out to be the most optimal in most cases, the following points are of particular importance:

awareness by the conflicting parties of the futility of forceful methods of resolving the conflict;

persistent work to establish civilized methods of normalizing the situation using negotiations, mediation, and scientific studies of the essence of the conflict;

a clear orientation of the conflicting parties to identify and eliminate the real causes of the conflict, to search for something that does not separate, but unites both parties;

reaching a sustainable agreement in which neither side feels disadvantaged or lost face."

4. Post-conflict stage, on which the efforts of former opponents should be focused on monitoring compliance with the agreement reached and overcoming the socio-psychological consequences of the conflict.

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

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 a contradiction between two or more parties. In addition, there is also intrapersonal confrontation, 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. Scientific conflictologists identify a variety of reasons for the emergence of confrontation, here are the main ones:

1. Aggression that can be shown by all animals, including humans.
2. Overpopulation and environmental factors.
3. Hostile attitude towards society.
4. Social and economic inequality.
5. Cultural contradictions.

Individuals and groups may conflict over material wealth, primary life attitudes and values, authority, etc. In any field of activity, disputes may 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 the people standing on both sides of the barricades. In the current situation, they can be both individuals and legal entities. The peculiarity of social conflict is that it is based on certain disagreements, because of which the interests of the participants collide. There is also an object that can have a material, spiritual or social form and which each of the participants strives to obtain. And their immediate environment is the micro- or macroenvironment.

Social conflict - pros and cons

On the one hand, open conflict allows society to evolve and achieve certain agreements and agreements. As a result, its individual members learn to adapt to unfamiliar conditions and take into account the desires of other individuals. On the other hand, modern social conflicts and their consequences cannot be predicted. In the worst case scenario, society could completely collapse.

Functions of social conflict

The first are constructive, and the second are destructive. Constructive ones are positive in nature - they defuse tension, bring about changes in society, etc. Destructive ones bring destruction and chaos, they destabilize relationships in a certain environment, destroy the social community. The positive function of social conflict is to strengthen society as a whole and the relationships between its members. Negative - destabilizes society.

Stages of social conflict

The stages of conflict development are:

1. Hidden. Tension in communication between subjects increases due to the desire of each to improve their position and achieve superiority.
2. 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 intransigence of the parties leads to very strong confrontation.
3. Antagonism. This is a consequence of high tension.
4. Incompatibility. Actually, the confrontation itself.
5. Completion. Resolving the situation.

Types of social conflicts

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

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

Ways to resolve social conflicts

The most effective ways to resolve conflicts:

1. Avoiding Confrontation. That is, one of the participants leaves the “scene” physically or psychologically, but the conflict situation itself remains, since the reason that gave rise to it has not been eliminated.
2. Negotiation. Both sides are trying to find common ground and a path to cooperation.
3. Intermediaries. include the involvement of intermediaries. His role can be played by both an organization and an individual who, thanks to existing capabilities and experience, does what would be impossible to do without his participation.
4. Postponement. In fact, one of the opponents is only temporarily giving up their position, wanting to accumulate strength and re-enter the social conflict, trying to regain what was lost.
5. Applying to arbitration or arbitration tribunal. In this case, the confrontation is dealt with in accordance with the norms of law and justice.
6. Force method with the involvement of the military, equipment and weapons, that is, in essence, war.

What are the consequences of social conflicts?

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

1. Destabilization of society. Control levers no longer work, chaos and unpredictability reign in society.
2. The consequences of social conflict include participants with specific goals, which are to defeat the enemy. At the same time, all other problems fade into the background.
3. Loss of hope for further friendly relations with the opponent.
4. Participants in the confrontation withdraw from society, they feel dissatisfaction, etc.
5. Those who consider the confrontation from a sociological point of view believe that this phenomenon also has positive sides:
6. With an interest in a positive outcome of the case, there is a unity of people and strengthening of mutual understanding between them. Everyone feels involved in what is happening and does everything to ensure that the social conflict has a peaceful outcome.
7. 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.
8. Managed conflict further stimulates the participants. They develop new ideas and solutions, that is, they “grow” and develop.

Any social conflict has a rather complex internal structure. It is advisable to analyze the content and characteristics of the course of a social conflict in four main stages: the pre-conflict stage, the conflict itself, the conflict resolution stage and the post-conflict stage.

Pre-conflict stage.

No social conflict arises instantly. Emotional stress, irritation and anger usually accumulate over some time, so the pre-conflict stage sometimes drags on. At this stage we can talk about the hidden (latent) phase of conflict development.

A significant group of domestic conflictologists (A. Zaitsev, A. Dmitriev, V. Kudryavtsev, G. Kudryavtsev, V. Shalenko) consider it necessary to characterize this stage with the concept of “social tension”. Social tension is a special socio-psychological state of social consciousness and behavior of individuals, social groups and society as a whole, a specific situation of perception and assessment of events, characterized by increased emotional arousal, disruption of the mechanisms of social regulation and control. 1 Each form of social conflict may have its own specific indicators of social tension. Social tension arises when the conflict has not yet taken shape, when there are no clearly identified parties to the conflict.

A characteristic feature of each conflict is the presence of an object, the possession of which (or the achievement of which) is associated with the frustration of the needs of the two subjects drawn into the conflict. This object must be fundamentally indivisible or appear so in the eyes of rivals. An indivisible object is the cause of conflict. The presence and size of such an object must be at least partially understood by its participants or warring parties. If this does not happen, then it is difficult for opponents to carry out aggressive action, and conflict, as a rule, does not occur.

Polish conflictologist E. Vyatr proposes to characterize this stage using the socio-psychological concept of deprivation. Deprivation is a condition characterized by a clear discrepancy between expectations and the possibilities of meeting them. Deprivation can either increase, decrease, or remain the same over time. 1

The pre-conflict stage is the period during which the conflicting parties evaluate their resources before deciding to take conflicting actions or retreat. Such resources include material assets with which you can influence an opponent, information, power, connections, prestige, etc. At the same time, the consolidation of the forces of the warring parties takes place, the search for supporters and the formation of groups participating in the conflict.

The pre-conflict stage is also characteristic of the formation of a strategy or even several strategies by each of the conflicting parties. Moreover, the one that best suits the situation is used. Strategy is understood as the vision of the situation by the parties to the conflict (or, as they also say, “a springboard”), the formation of a goal in relation to the opposing side and, finally, the choice of a method of influencing the enemy. With the right choice of strategy and methods of action, conflicts can be prevented.

Direct conflict...

This stage is characterized primarily by the presence of an incident, i.e. social actions aimed at changing the behavior of rivals. This is an active, active part of the conflict. Thus, the entire conflict consists of a conflict situation that forms at the pre-conflict stage and the incident.

Conflict behavior characterizes the second, main stage of conflict development. Conflict behavior is an action aimed at directly or indirectly blocking the opposing party from achieving its goals, intentions, and interests.

The actions that constitute an incident are divided into two groups, each of which is based on specific human behavior. The first group includes the actions of rivals in a conflict that are open in nature. This could be verbal debate, economic sanctions, physical pressure, political struggle, sports competition, etc. Such actions, as a rule, are easily identified as conflicting, aggressive, hostile.

The second group includes the hidden actions of rivals in a conflict. A veiled, but nevertheless extremely active struggle aims to impose on the opponent an unfavorable course of action and at the same time reveal his strategy. The main mode of action in a hidden internal conflict is reflexive management - a method of management in which the reasons for making a decision are transferred by one of the actors to the other. This means that one of the rivals is trying to transmit and introduce into the consciousness of the other such information that forces this other to act in a way that is beneficial to the one who transmitted this information.

A very characteristic moment at the stage of the conflict itself is the presence of a critical point, at which the conflict interactions between the warring parties reach maximum severity and strength. One of the criteria for approaching a critical point can be considered integration, the unidirectionality of the efforts of each of the conflicting parties, and the cohesion of the groups participating in the conflict.

It is important to know the time of passing the critical point, since after this the situation is most manageable. At the same time, intervention at a critical moment, at the peak of the conflict, is useless or even dangerous. Reaching a critical point and its passage largely depend on circumstances external to the participants in the conflict, as well as on resources and values ​​brought into the conflict from the outside.

3.Conflict resolution.

An external sign of conflict resolution can be the end of the incident. It is completion, not temporary cessation. This means that conflictual interaction between the conflicting parties ceases. Elimination or cessation of the incident is a necessary but not sufficient condition for resolving the conflict. Often, having stopped active conflict interaction, people continue to experience a frustrating state and look for its causes. In this case, the conflict breaks out again.

Resolution of social conflict is possible only when the conflict situation changes. This change can take many forms. But the most effective change in a conflict situation, allowing to extinguish the conflict, is considered to be the elimination of the cause of the conflict. In a rational conflict, eliminating the cause inevitably leads to its resolution, but for an emotional conflict, the most important point in changing the conflict situation should be considered a change in the opponents’ attitudes towards each other.

It is also possible to resolve a social conflict by changing the demands of one of the parties: the opponent makes concessions and changes the goals of his behavior in the conflict.

Social conflict can also be resolved as a result of the depletion of the resources of the parties or the intervention of a third force that creates an overwhelming advantage for one of the parties, and, finally, as a result of the complete elimination of the rival. In all these cases, a change in the conflict situation certainly occurs.

Modern conflictology has formulated the conditions under which successful resolution of social conflicts is possible. One of the important conditions is a timely and accurate analysis of its causes. And this involves identifying objectively existing contradictions, interests, and goals. An analysis carried out from this angle allows us to outline the “business zone” of a conflict situation. Another, no less important condition is mutual interest in overcoming contradictions on the basis of mutual recognition of the interests of each party. To do this, the parties to the conflict must strive to free themselves from hostility and mistrust of each other. This state can be achieved based on a goal that is meaningful to each group on a broader basis. The third, indispensable condition is a joint search for ways to overcome the conflict. Here it is possible to use a whole arsenal of means and methods: direct dialogue between the parties, negotiations with the participation of a third party, etc.

Conflictology has developed a number of recommendations, following which speeds up the process of conflict resolution: 1) during negotiations, priority should be given to discussing substantive issues; 2) the parties should strive to relieve psychological and social tension; 3) the parties must demonstrate mutual respect for each other; 4) negotiators should strive to turn a significant and hidden part of the conflict situation into an open one, openly and demonstrably revealing each other’s positions and consciously creating an atmosphere of public equal exchange of opinions; 5) all negotiators must show a tendency to