Conflict Theory in 3DST112 PDF

**TYPES OF CONFLICTS** **1. Task Conflict** **This type of conflict arises from concrete issues related to work assignments. It includes disputes about resource allocation, differences in procedures and policies, managing expectations, and interpreting facts. While it may seem straightforward to r...

**TYPES OF CONFLICTS** **1. Task Conflict** **This type of conflict arises from concrete issues related to work assignments. It includes disputes about resource allocation, differences in procedures and policies, managing expectations, and interpreting facts. While it may seem straightforward to resolve, task conflict often has deeper roots and complexities. Managers can help by identifying underlying interests and encouraging collaborative problem-solving.** **2. Relationship Conflict** **This conflict stems from differences in personality, style, taste, and conflict resolution approaches. In organisations, people who wouldn't typically interact may need to people who wouldn't typically interact may need to get along. Addressing relationship conflict involves understanding individual differences and finding common ground.** **3. Value Conflict** **Value conflict emerges from differing beliefs, principles, and ethical perspectives. When colleagues clash over fundamental values, it can impact collaboration and decision-making. Open communication and respectful dialogue are essential for managing value conflicts.** **The effective conflict resolution involves tailored approaches for each type of conflict. Communication, collaboration, and understanding are crucial in maintaining a harmonious workplace, family, personal and ethical life.** **FATHERS OF CONFLICT THEORY: WESTERN - MARX, WEBER, AND MILLS** **KARL MARX** - (1818--1883) was a German-born philosopher, political theorist, economist, historian, sociologist, journalist, and revolutionary socialist. - His influential ideas, collectively known as Marxism, have shaped modern intellectual, economic, and political history. - Used "base and superstructure."- Base: Economic structure (production, distribution, and ownership of resources). Superstructure: Cultural and social institutions (education, religion, politics) built upon the economic base. - Marx critiqued and developed the philosophy of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, emphasizing historical materialism. His best-known works include the 1848 pamphlet "The Communist Manifesto" which analyzed capitalism through a critical lens. - He focused on the causes and consequences of class conflict between bourgeoisie ( the owners of the means of production and the capitalist) and the proletariat (the working class and the poor) - He argued that the government uses property and material conditions to gain political power. - He maintained that property struggles are turned into political struggles. This is evident when there is a conflict between owners and renters, capitalists and workers, and other groups. - The powerful groups use these material conditions to organise their political standing and to spread their agenda among social groups. - The material wealth that the owners have given them an advantage by enabling them to spread their views easily. - Marx believed that the source of conflict is the fact that all of the things that humans value are gained through the labour of the workers, not the owners. - The workers are exploited through labour, yet they do not get an equal share in what they worked for. - Members of the owning class gain more power to impose their views and dominate politically through the exploitation of the workers. **MAX WEBER** - He was one of the three main fathers of sociology, refined Marx's conflict theory. - He disagreed with Marx's emphasis on the struggle between owners and workers. - He was interested in social conflict as well as social changes brought about by the industrial revolution. - Weber claimed that social conflict, which is found in all aspects of society,for example, gender ,politics and religion is likely to originate in discrepancies between the amount of power , prestige and property held by different groups. - He also mentioned that conflict over property is the most prevalent form of social conflict. Furthermore, he maintained that the emotional aspect of conflict should not be ignored. - He drew similar conclusions relating to conflict theory, Weber concluded that various class divisions in society are normal, inevitable and acceptable. **CHARLES WRIGHT MILLS** - He is regarded as the founder of modern conflict theory. He developed his own ideas about how social structures are created and their relationship to conflict. - He is of the opinion that if people if people have different interest and resources , they create their own social structures. - Social structure refers to social institutions and norms of society shape the behaviour of the people within those social systems. - Wealthy or rich people are the ones who control the social structure. As a result of this control , the interests of the poor are disregarded , which leads to conflict. African thought on conflict theory **1. Marginalization and Armed Movements** Marginalized young people in Africa, often exposed to bribery, corruption, and mismanagement, have readily taken up arms in various regions, such as Sierra Leone These movements are characterized by a lack of ideological motivation, fueled by anger and a "crisis of modernity" where indigenous African institutions are reinterpreted and reinvented. Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who articulated doubt during the transition from confident exuberance to self-doubt. Rousseau is often regarded as the representative of the first crisis of modernity. **2. Underdevelopment and Rule:** Mahmood Mamdani and Frantz Fanon's thinking highlights the importance of examining how Europe ruled Africa rather than solely focusing on underdevelopment. **3. Not acknowledging Indigenous knowledge** Friedrich Nietzsche proposed that modernity is typified by crises in systems of morality, often arising due to advancements in knowledge and an uncritical embrace of new technologies Meshack Gumbo is among those reviving Indigenous Knowledge in South Africa **FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO CONFLICT IN AFRICA** 1\. Illegitimacy of the State: The crisis of state legitimacy and the bankruptcy of the Westphalian state model. 2\. Recycling of Elites: The persistence of elites in power. 3\. Post-Cold War Changes: The end of foreign military assistance after the Cold War. 4\. Autochthony, Land, and Belonging: Unresolved issues related to identity, land, and belonging. 5\. Addiction : not thinking properly 5\. Gender